Wildfire at Bastrop State Park near Highway 21 triggers evacuations

March 23, 2026

Firefighters and park staff are responding after a wildfire ignited inside Bastrop State Park, officials said. The Texas A&M Forest Service located the blaze near southeast Highway 21 and South Shore Road, and evacuations are underway for areas affected by the fire.

Park personnel coordinated the initial response and moved visitors away from the danger zone, while the Texas A&M Forest Service took the lead on firefighting efforts at the scene. Emergency personnel set up staging areas nearby to manage resources and crew assignments.

Officials urged people to steer clear of the park while crews work to contain the fire, and they asked nearby residents and motorists to follow any evacuation orders or directions from emergency staff. Access to the section of the park around Highway 21 and South Shore Road is limited while response operations continue.

Fire managers focused on protecting people first and stopping the blaze from spreading to additional parkland or nearby properties. Crews prioritized containment lines and managed firefighter safety as they assessed conditions and resources on hand.

This is an active situation and details may change as crews gain control of the fire. AustinNews.org will provide updates as emergency officials release additional information and as conditions develop on the ground.