South Rim Wildfire Spreading in Big Bend National Park

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX – The South Rim Fire has continued to burn through the woodlands of the Chisos Mountains, creating plumes of smoke visible throughout the park Sunday.

The dangerous wildfire was first reported Thursday. 

For visitor safety, the Chisos Mountains area of the park, including the road, campground, lodge, and trails will remain closed until further notice. This includes the popular Window and Lost Mine Trails.

Firefighters working the South Rim Fire faced strong westerly winds and red-flag fire conditions throughout the day Saturday. Weather forecasts for today show much promise. The current fire size estimate is 785 acres and growing. 

Things went well yesterday on the South Rim Fire. The Diablos cleared and cold-trailed the west flank, while the Mount Taylor Hotshots worked directly and made great progress in the Pinnacles/Emory Peak junction area. Fire did not enter the Chisos Basin. Active burning continues in lower Boot Canyon (near Boot Rock) and the Toll Mtn. area, and firefighters will focus on those areas today. Current fire area is estimated at 785 acres.