2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire

September 4 to October 29, 2011

The Bastrop County Complex fire was a extensive fire that engulfed parts of Bastrop County, in September and October 2011. The wildfire was the costliest and most destructive wildfire in Texas history. Also among the costliest in U.S. history, destroying 1,696 structures. An exceptional drought, accompanied by record-high temperatures, affected Texas for much of 2011. In early September 2011, the presence of Tropical Storm Lee to the east produced strong northerly winds over the state, causing the preexisting dry weather to produce critical fire conditions.

On the afternoon of September 4, 2011, three separate fires ignited east of Bastrop, after strong winds caused by the nearby tropical storm snapped trees onto power lines. Within 48 hours, fires merged into one blaze that quickly consumed parts of Bastrop State Park and parts of the Lost Pines Forest, as well as homes in nearby subdivisions.

The wildfire was largely contained in September, though the firebreak was briefly breached in early October. On October 10, the Bastrop County Complex Fire was declared controlled and the fire was declared extinguished on October 29 after 55 days.

Two people were killed by the wildfire and another twelve people were injured. The fire perimeter encircled an area spanning 32,400 acres. Homes were destroyed in ten subdivisions, of which Circle-D County Acres and Tahitian Village sustained the most significant property damage. The wildfire destroyed more homes than any single fire in Texas history by nearly a factor of ten. Around 96 percent of Bastrop State Park was scorched by the wildfire. Roughly 1.5 million trees across 16,200 acres of forest were destroyed.

Smithville Points of Interest

Having over 30 filmings with some popular movies and commercials, Smithville is fast becoming known as a “movie town” in the industry and among fans.

Smithville, Texas, a town of under 4,000 according to the census, is filled with historic charm in its downtown district. Smithville has 206 properties, including commercial and residential, listed in the National Historic Register.

Smithville Railroad Historical Park and Museum

This museum features Union Pacific and Missouri-Kansas-Texas cabooses. The Katy depot is built of materials salvaged from a station dating to the 1890s. Located at 102 West First Street, at the south end of Main Street at railroad tracks. The museum is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Call (512) 237-2313. Admission is free.

Railroad Park

Historical park located off NE 1st St. The park is dedicated to the railroad workers of Smithville and built on the site where the depot station was located. It features restrooms, playground and several historic train cars.

Calendar of Events

4 Day Jamboree Celebration • April 13-15

Annual Airport Fly In • May 13

4th of July Celebration • July 2

Community Wide Garage Sales • 1st Saturday in October

Sustainable Home & Garden Show • Oct. 7

3rd Annual Golf Tournament • TBA

Wing Fest • Oct. 21

Halloween Spooktacular • October 31 - Downtown

Airing of the Quilts & Tour of Homes • November 11

Festival of Lights & Lighted Parade • December 2

Holiday Sip and Shop • December 9

Smithville Chamber of Commerce.......................512-237-2313

Vernon Richards Riverbend Park

Located on Hwy 71, Riverbend Park, officially named after former mayor Vernon Richards, is the city’s finest outdoor recreational spot and borders the Colorado River. The park is busy year round.

There is a walking trail, fishing pier, barbecue pits and picnic tables near the river. There are also washer and horseshoe pits for tossing a few with friends. A 9-hole disc golf course was recently added.

Outside the fence are a lighted softball field and sand volleyball, a large playscape area, open to the public free of charge with tables and small barbecue pits.

The covered Park Pavilion offers kitchen facilities and may be rented for events such as carnivals, banquets or reunions. A rodeo arena is also on site. Nineteen RV hookups are available; call 512-237-3282, ext 7 to reserve space or to rent areas of the park for events.