oakhillgazette.com
October 22, 2015 Volume 20, No. 21 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
Rains will not end threat of wildfires by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - The Bastrop wildfires are finally dying out, but not without leaving the destruction of scores of homes in their wake. Local fire officials have yet to determine the cause but warn that the fire danger for Central Texas is not over, despite the coming rains. The Austin and Oak Hill fire departments sent personnel and equipment to assist in Bastrop County, but Fire Chief Jeffrey J. Wittig of the Oak Hill Fire Department said, “Central Texas was intentionally asked to only help minimally, given that our fire weather was no different than Bastrop County’s and the fire activity from 2011 demonstrated the need to make sure local resources remain
to handle any incidents in our area.” Although there were no major incidents, the Oak Hill fire department was kept busy when smoke from Bastrop drifted into the Oak Hill area resulting in calls and reports of smoke from alarmed local residents—many with traumatic memories of the 2011 Oak Hill Wildfire. Michelle Tanzola, Public Information and Marketing Manager for the Austin Fire Department, told the Gazette, “We’re about to enter the winter wildfire season.” Chief Wittig explained that Central Texas often has two fire seasons— one in summer, the other in winter. He said, “With this being declared an El Niño year, we expected severe See RAINS on p. 19
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month important in wake of fire
Gazette: Sarah Weeks
Austin High lost big to Lake Travis (above), but beat Travis—Bowie and Crockett also won. Sports p. 12
by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - October is national Adopt a Shelter Dog month, the brainchild of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the American Humane Association to encourage people to adopt rather than purchase pets. This observance is even more important now because of the recent Central Texas wildfires. Austin shelters and rescue organiSee ADOPT on p. 3
Gazette special focus, p. 3