MAGNOLIA, Texas – The massive wildfire that spanned Grimes, Montgomery and Waller counties was 100 percent contained Wednesday.
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The tri-county fire, which started Sept. 5 along Sandra Dee Road in the Magnolia area, has burned nearly 19,000 acres.
Thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes for days, but all have been allowed to return.
The Oak Hollow subdivision was reopened on Tuesday at 5 p.m. The Remington Forest subdivision will be open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday for residents to check on their homes. Only those with identification will be allowed in the area.
The tri-county fire has destroyed 76 structures and damaged 23 others.
Some residents returned to nothing but metal, but one was surprised to see a wooden American flag beside the rubble and ashes where his home once stood.
"That flag is totally untouched," Bruce McCauley said. "I still can't figure out how it made it through and what it's trying to tell me, but there's something to it there."
Residents said the evacuation after the fire broke out was like a movie scene.
"It was a nightmare," resident Diana Ballard said. "I did not think we were going to make it out of here. When we left, these ditches were on fire and there was fire on both sides of us."
"When I left, the flames were three stories high, to the tops of the trees," resident Richard Hoyuela said.
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.
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.
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.
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.