During a news conference at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7, officials reported the 162-acre Steiner Ranch fire was 75 percent contained and that they expected to fully contain the fire by late Sept. 8. Lake Travis Fire Rescue Cheif Jim Linardos said no more homes have been damaged, and no more injuries have been reported. Only residents are allowed back into the neighborhood as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

Austin Energy returned power to undamaged homes in Steiner Ranch around 9 p.m. Sept. 6, Linardos said. The cause is still under investigation, he said.



This map released by the Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management shows the area of the blaze and locations of some homes that have been damaged as of early Sept. 6.

Governor Rick Perry held a press conference from Steiner Ranch on Sept. 6 at 8:45 a.m. thanking fire professionals for their help in trying to contain the wildfires throughout Steiner Ranch, Bastrop and Leander for the past two days.

Perry said there have been 3.6 million acres burned by wildfires in Texas, and about 1,000 homes destroyed since the wildfire season began in December 2010.

"We've been multitasking in the state for a long time, dealing with multiple events," Perry said. "Our state coordination is as good as any state. I've got real faith in our abilities."

Chief of State Emergency Management Nim Kidd said officials have been tracking more than 57 fires during the Labor Day weekend. He reiterated his goal of protecting lives at all costs and urged residents to follow the instruction of emergency responders.

Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, also spoke, encouraging the public to listen to advice given throughout the wildfires and after.

"This is a tremendous tragedy," Watson said. "When things get back to normal in Steiner Ranch, those of us who don't live there need to be out of the way."

He also thanked Lake Travis ESD. No. 6 Fire Chief Jim Linardos for playing a significant role in the response to the wildfires. Linardos said the 125-acre Steiner Ranch fire was about 45 percent contained as of 8:45 a.m.

Perry said that as long as winds continue to stay down, containment should be possible but that there is a chance of more wind in the afternoon.

Perry said he and the local fire chiefs had been discussing other government assets available to them this morning to see if there is equipment available to help in getting to the wildfires. He said getting federal help may be difficult because of bureaucracy but that the federal government will be assisting Central Texas.

"I think [Federal Emergency Management Agency] will be in place by the end of the day," Perry said.

Another press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m.

Steiner Ranch residents can call 974-6199 for up-to-date information. They can also register at https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php to let loved ones know they are safe.

State Farm Insurance has set up a mobile claim location at St. Luke's on the Lake Episcopal Church, 5600 N. RR 620.