Insured losses from a 34,000 acre wildfire that tore across Bastrop County will total $250 million, according to the Insurance Council of Texas. Bastrop home and business owners have collectively filed about 1,500 claims so far.
Meanwhile, ranchers who lost fences in the wildfire are being told they can apply for help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ranchers need to apply before they start rebuilding, or risk being ineligible for the money.
The Bastrop fire was 98 percent contained, as of the latest update this morning. Three homeowners have launched a lawsuit against Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, alleging the utility was negligent in preventing power lines from starting fires.
A recent wildfire risk assessment report by an interagency group predicts dangerous fire conditions will continue in Texas throughout the winter.
