The fire is between Bastrop and Smithville.

More than 650 acres have been burned in Bastrop County and 150 homes have been evacuated. Highway 71 at McAllister remains shut down. The fire started about 12:30 this afternoon after heavy winds knocked down power lines.

County Judge Ronnie McDonald declared the area a disaster.

"I'm concerned about every piece of the city any time land course even lives threatened is a big concern so we're working hard," he said.

Crews are fighting this blaze from the air and from the ground. The drought condition and strong winds are making it difficult. Bastrop Fire Chief Henry Perry said this is the worst fire he has seen in 15 years.

"Mother nature is going to tell us when we're going to stop this fire. If Mother Nature decides to lay down the winds, we can catch it and stop it if Mother Nature doesn't help us at all we'll be here until Mother Nature decides to let us do something," said Perry.

10 homes have been lost and 2 damaged. 13 buildings and 3 businesses destroyed and 4 vehicles burnt. A firefighter was injured from smoke inhalation.

Two shelters have been set up one at the Heart of Pines Fire Station in Bastrop County. The other is at First Baptist Church in Smithville.

11 agencies and 8 fire departments are battling the blaze. The Red Cross and Bastrop Animal Control are helping evacuees.

As of early Saturday evening, officials said the fire was 40% contained.