Fire Relief and Threat Become Daily Occurrences

Rows of shoes are lined up for the taking at a fire relief station in Bastrop. (Photo by Jana Birchum)

At press time, a windy Wednesday had prompted an elevated wildfire threat as Central Texas firefighters brace for another outbreak of blazes and fire victims continue their day-to-day struggle. Here's a brief roundup of ongoing efforts.

FEMA Sets Up Shop

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up permanent headquarters at Bastrop High School. It is not necessary to register in person; you may still do so by calling or visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. You must register with FEMA to receive government disaster assistance. Bastrop High School West Campus, 1602 Hill St., Bastrop, 800/621-3362. www.fema.gov.

Stop Donating Clothing

Red Cross of Central Texas has requested that the public stop donating clothing; it's inundated with supplies and has no more room to store them. Red Cross' closet runneth over! www.centex.redcross.org.

Dental Health

Manos de Cristo is donating oral health care supplies for adults and children. To help, please bring toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss to the Manos offices: Mondays-Thursdays, 8am-5pm, or Fridays, 8am-3pm. Donations to its food pantry and clothes closet are also needed. 1201 E. Cesar Chavez, 477-2319. www.manosdecristo.org.

Texas Workforce Commission

The TWC is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance for workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to wildfires in Bastrop County. Workers can apply for unemployment benefits online, and applications for DUA must be submitted by Oct. 13. Mobile work force units are located at Bastrop Ninth Grade Academy, 6102 Hill St., Bastrop, and at Smithville Indoor Recre­a­tion Center, 106 Gazley St., Smithville. www.texasworkforce.org, www.workintexas.com.

Hill Country Outdoors

This events-oriented organization welcomes donations at its next meet and greet at Baker St. Pub, 3003 S. Lamar, Thursday, Sept. 15, 6:30-8pm. Needed items include canned food, bedding, bottled water, pain relievers, baby food, trash bags, and pet supplies. www.hillcountryoutdoors.com.

Austin Parks and Recreation Department

PARD reminds us that burn bans remain in effect for all parks and greenbelts throughout the Austin City Limits Music Festival weekend. www.cityofaustin.org/parks.

For more wildfire relief information, visit austinchronicle.com/wildfire.