Destruction Continues To Mount In Battle To Contain Wildfire

SMITHVILLE, Texas (AP) — Nearly 70 homes have been destroyed by a Central Texas wildfire that's burned for a week and forced the extended closure of a state park.

The Texas A&M Forest Service on Tuesday reported the blaze in Bastrop County was 70 percent contained after blackening more than 7 square miles.

The Forest Service says 68 homes burned and 77 miscellaneous buildings were also destroyed since the Hidden Pines fire began Oct. 13. Farm equipment accidentally ignited tall grass.

Buescher (BISH'-er) State Park, which was shut down shortly after the fire broke out, remains closed through Friday due to the wildfire about 40 miles southeast of Austin.

The National Weather Service on Tuesday predicted a chance for showers all week in the Bastrop area.