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Big Bend Fire Continues To Burn, Nearly Contained

NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou
/
National Park Service

A wildfire that began Monday afternoon, caused by a downed power line and strong winds, continues to burn in Big Bend National Park near Panther Junction.

About 50 fighters were on the scene Thursday.

“A combination of park firefighters, Los Diablos firefighters, and some engines from our local Texas fire and EMS in Terlingua worked on the blaze,” said park spokesman David Elkowitz. “They have contained it to the South side of the road going to Rio Grande Village and it’s approximately 1537 acres.” The Los Diablos firefighters are from across the border. 

They hope to have the fire fully contained in the next couple days. “Currently the fire is active on the Southeast side only, and crews are looking to cool it down and contain it there,” said Elkowitz.

There have been no injuries and no structures burned. Aside from a couple campgrounds near the fire, the entire park is open.