Wilderness Ridge Fire

The purpose of this publication is to examine the destruction that occurred on Feb. 28, 2009, in Bastrop County, Texas, during the Wilderness Ridge Fire.

Drought conditions, extremely dry and windy weather, and a small spark all came together to form the devastating wildfire. Sparks from downed power lines ignited the Wilderness Ridge Fire, the most destructive wildfire in Central Texas. Fuels were critically dry due to the entrenched drought that was present across Central Texas. The fast-moving timber wildfire immediately threatened homes and thousands of acres in the Lost Pines of Central Texas. The Wilderness Ridge Fire ultimately destroyed 26 homes, 20 businesses and 1,491 acres of endangered species habitat.