BASTROP, Texas — A wildfire fueled by grass, brush and trees has destroyed at least 23 homes and three businesses in Central Texas.
Officials said two National Guard helicopters joined other aircraft today in dropping water on the blaze near the towns of Bastrop and Smithville.
The wildfire had charred just over a square mile since it was started Saturday by a fallen power line.
Texas Forest Service spokesman Lewis Kearney said the fire was about 50 percent contained today.
He said some residents who were evacuated during the night were being escorted back into the area today to identify their property.
Bastrop is about 30 miles southeast of Austin.
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