MAGNOLIA, Texas – Fire officials said a wildfire that has burned for more than a week in Grimes, Montgomery and Waller counties was 85 percent contained Tuesday.
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Firefighters are making progress on the tri-county fire that have burned about 20,000 acres. They said they hoped to have the fire 100 percent contained soon.
Two neighborhoods in Waller County remain evacuated -- the Oak Hollow and County Lane Estates subdivisions.
FM 1488 was opened Tuesday at 8 a.m. Waller County officials said Bowler to Joseph Road and all crossroads and side-roads north and south of FM 1488 remain closed.
"We are just hoping to get residents back in their homes or at least back to see if their home is still there today or tomorrow," said Jennifer Duhon with the Waller County Sheriff's Office.
Waller County officials said an estimated 2,000 people are still out of their homes.
Officials said a firefighter was injured Tuesday as he tried to cut open a gate. He was cut and received stitches and a tetanus shot.
"Grimes County made it through a second day without any significant flare-ups. Minor hot spots and flare-ups have continued to be dealt with, but there have been none fire officials have felt posed an immediate public danger," the Grimes County Sheriff's Office said on its Facebook page.
Frank Burkhalter is one of the evacuees. He said that he left in such a hurry, he did not have time to bring his pets.
"It's very frustrating, especially right now. We have dogs, cats that need to be fed and you can't get to (them)," he said.
Fire officials said that some people continue to violate the burn ban in the area.
"Even in the Pine Hurst and Magnolia area, people continue to burn their garbage and limbs and leaves in spite of what has happened over the last week," Assistant Montgomery County Fire Marshall Scott Burlin said.
Fire marshals are writing tickets for up to $1,000.
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials were in town on Tuesday and said it could be weeks before financial assistance is available.
The Texas Disaster Relief Fund has made hotel vouchers available for residents who have been displaced by the wildfires. The vouchers are good for up to seven days.
The fire broke out along FM 1486 near Sandra Dee in Montgomery County on Sept. 5 at around 3 p.m.
Officials said eight homes and 12 exterior buildings were lost in Montgomery County.
The tri-county fire has destroyed 60 homes and damaged 23 others.
Texas Forest Service officials said the fire danger across Texas remains extremely high.
Waller County officials said volunteer labor and non-perishable goods are needed. Anyone wishing to help should contact the Waller County Distribution Center at the old Lawrence Marshall car dealerships on 290 near state Highway 6. Call 979-826-7700 for more information.
"We had a lady come from Mississippi come and drop off donations," said Cindy Jones with Waller County. "We've had trailer loads, cattle trailer loads of clothes, food, feed. Lots of items."
Montgomery County officials said donations for fire victims should be coordinated through the United Way at 281-292-4155, ext. 265.