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Bastrop Recovery: One Year Later

YNN Specials

This week, Bastrop is marking the one year anniversary of the massive wildfire that scorched the land and changed thousands of lives. YNN is looking back at the disaster and the recovery -- both have changed the region forever.

Photos: Bastrop Recovery

As we reach the one year anniversary of the wildfires that tore through Central Texas, take a look back through the photos from each of the fires. If you have pictures you'd like to share, send them to photos8@ynn.com.

Service in Bastrop held to mark anniversary of historic fire

On Sunday, the Bastrop County community gathered to mark the nearing one-year anniversary of the Bastrop County Complex fire. The group payed tribute to the progress made since the flames consumed much of the county, and took time to remember all that was lost.

Wildfires cost Bastrop $12M in cleanup, expected to rise

In a multi-agency news conference Wednesday, officials said that number will continue to rise. YNN's John Salazar was in Bastrop to find out what that means to the county's revenue.

Wildflower center host to Bastrop's new pines

One year after the wildfires in Bastrop, the rebuilding efforts have surpassed homes and property. Now, at the Lady Bird Wildflower Center in South Austin, graduate students, botanists and even volunteers are planting seeds to grow back the thousands of Lob Lolly Pine trees lost in the Labor Day weekend blaze.

Tahitian Village still feeling effects of Bastrop County Complex fire

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

Nearly a year since the fire first started, residents of the Tahitian Village subdivision in Bastrop still face tough decisions. The neighborhood was hit hard by the blaze, with many homes destroyed by the flames. Now, one year later, residents are still unsure whether to stay in the neighborhood which was once home, or start again somewhere new.

Tahitian Village still feeling effects of Bastrop County Complex fire

Updated 08/27/2012 08:06 AM

Share your wildfire photos one year later

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

We'd like to showcase your photos now, one year later as the community continues recovering and rebuilding from the devastating wildfires that tore through our Central Texas community.

08/24/2012 08:50 AM

Bastrop ISD celebrates start of new school year

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

While students enjoyed the last bits of summer, teachers in Bastrop got energized about a new school year. Hundreds of Bastrop ISD employees packed an auditorium Thursday for the annual convocation to kick off the fall semester. It was an especially poignant gathering, as the district continues to rebuild from last year’s devastating wildfires.

08/23/2012 04:37 PM

Bastrop recovery slowed to protect endangered Houston Toad

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

Restoration efforts continue in Bastrop County nearly a year after the Labor Day weekend wildfires. YNN's John Salazar explores how the endangered Houston Toad is slowing cleanup and recovery.

08/20/2012 05:13 PM

Bastrop Wildfire Case Study reveals a job well done

Bastrop County

Officials released a 165-page report on the Bastrop Complex Wildfires Monday. The report is the most comprehensive report of the state's most destructive fire and the nation's third largest wildfire near a populated area.

Bastrop Wildfire Case Study reveals a job well done

Updated 07/10/2012 10:16 AM

Bastrop residents facing debris removal deadline

Bastrop County

Debris removal deadlines are here for many people in Bastrop County affected by last year’s devastating Labor Day wildfire. Notices are posted in 10 designated zones around the county, and pick up times are staggered, ending July 13. Officials say disaster generated debris will be picked up at no cost, as long as property owners push the material to the right of way.

Updated 06/20/2012 07:49 AM

Recovery continues for Bastrop wildfire victims

Bastrop County

It's been nearly nine months since wildfires in Bastrop County claimed two lives and ravaged 1,600 homes. Rebuilding continues to be a full time job for many. YNN's Sebastian Robertson shows us why the healing process may take generations.

05/31/2012 07:39 AM

Wildfire stories told through 'Art from the Ashes'

Bastrop County

The wildfires of last September left thousands of tons of rubble across Central Texas. Now, artists are using the very same rubble as raw material, telling their stories of those fateful days through artistic expression.

04/29/2012 01:50 PM

Cancer-stricken wildfire victim moves into new home

Bastrop County

YNN first introduced you to Margaret Listberger in the weeks following the Bastrop County Complex fire last September. Listberger lost her home in the blaze and received treatment for stage-four breast cancer just days later. Now more than six months after the disaster, she's signed the deed on her new home and is excited to show it off.

04/20/2012 09:11 PM

Steiner Ranch fire victims rebuild

In the months following the Central Texas wildfires, those who lost their homes were forced to face the decision of rebuilding or moving out. Residents of Steiner Ranch, where 24 homes burned to the ground, are mostly choosing to stay.

02/24/2012 06:38 PM

Steiner Ranch community embraces first responders

After last month's destructive flames, the Steiner Ranch community came out to enjoy good food, music and support a good cause at the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse Sunday.

10/03/2011 09:05 AM

FEMA sets up mobile information site in Steiner Ranch

Federal Emergency agents are in Steiner Ranch this weekend to help fire victims
with their disaster claims. FEMA officials urge all residents affected by the mega blaze that destroyed 24 homes to register with the agency. The site will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Updated 10/01/2011 11:15 AM

After devastating blaze, Spicewood community rebuilds together

Residents of the Spicewood neighborhood are coming together to help wildfire victims rebuild their lives. Just a little over a week ago the Labor Day weekend wildfire ripped through the area, destroying about 40 homes. Now that it’s time to pick up the pieces, residents of the Hill Country community hope their camaraderie will make all the difference.

09/14/2011 06:41 PM

Political figures survey Central Texas wildfire damage

No crisis is complete without a word from your local, state or national politician and that was the case during this string of wildfires in Texas.

Updated 09/08/2011 10:33 PM

'King of the Hill' writer home destroyed in Spicewood fire

The fire previously called Pedernales Fire One, now called the Spicewood Fire, has destroyed 28 homes and fire crews have saved 92 others. All evacuees in the area are allowed to return home and all roads have been re-opened.

Updated 09/08/2011 09:57 AM

One year later, Bastrop County officials continue fire recovery

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

The fires are out and the smoke has cleared, but evidence of last September's hellish wildfire in Bastrop County remains. Dead trees dot the landscape by the hundreds of thousands. County officials are still cleaning up after the blaze, but say they should soon shift their focus to what they hope to be a historic recovery.

One year later, Bastrop County officials continue fire recovery

08/17/2012 05:16 PM

Lost pines, crowds continue to grow at Bastrop State Park

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

Nearly a year after the Bastrop County Complex fire, Bastrop State Park is still recovering from the massive damage it sustained during the weeks-long blaze. The fire tore through the park, taking many of its historic building and trees with it. Now, park employees say things are looking up and crowds are returning to take in the area's natural beauty.

Lost pines, crowds continue to grow at Bastrop State Park

Updated 08/17/2012 10:05 AM

Public safety forum heeds advice of Bastrop fire responders

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

It’s nearly the one year anniversary of the devastating Bastrop County wildfires and emergency crews are reflecting on their response.

Public safety forum heeds advice of Bastrop fire responders

08/08/2012 08:56 AM

State official: Federal funding for wildfire victims will run short

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

The Texas General Land Office is now in the process of deciding how to distribute $31 million of federal funds to help Texas recover from last summer's devastating wildfires. At a public meeting in Bastrop Wednesday, Land Office officials said they didn't feel the amount was enough to help everyone.

State official: Federal funding for wildfire victims will run short

05/30/2012 08:06 PM

Volunteers help re-open fire ravaged state park

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

More areas of Bastrop State Park have reopened following last year's deadly wildfires. While more than 90 percent of the park was affected by the fire, life has returned to the Lost Pines.

Volunteers help re-open fire ravaged state park

04/16/2012 08:05 AM

Bastrop home show offers options for rebuilding fire victims

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

This weekend, the Home Product Show at the Bastrop County Convention and Exhibit Center is there to help. In it, architects, insurance companies and home designers have come together to help fire victims still figuring out what to do.

Bastrop home show offers options for rebuilding fire victims

Updated 04/14/2012 04:52 PM

Bastrop State Park reopens for visitors

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

Bastrop State Park Superintendent Roger Dolle said the park would not have been open so soon without help from the park staff, volunteers and Texas Department of Transportation crews.

04/10/2012 07:12 AM

Local shoppers fuel economic recovery in Bastrop

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

A new study shows the economy of Bastrop is bouncing back, thanks to local shoppers making the effort to pitch in to help a community devastated by September's hellish wildfires.

Local shoppers fuel economic recovery in Bastrop

03/01/2012 09:06 PM

Rebuilding continues in Bastrop County

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

Despite recent waves of rain and winter weather, work to rebuild the fire-torn communities of Bastrop County continues to move forward.

02/24/2012 04:48 PM

Plan to restore Lost Pines is complete, but short on funding

CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRES

Developed by an unprecedented coalition of federal, state and local leaders, land managers and scientists, the Lost Pines Habitat recovery project is a detailed five-year plan with precise work scope and cost estimates. The plan is expected to cost $17 million. Some funding is already in place, but more is needed to get started.