Big Bend National Park Fire Update

From the National park service as of 2 :00 pm 2/8/16:

A wildland fire was ignited at approximately 4:45 PM on February 1st when heavy winds caused a power line to fall, igniting a fire near Panther Junction. The fire was burning in grassland and brush habitat. Strong winds, up to forty miles per hour, pushed the fire to the east and northeast of Panther Junction during the evening of February 1st . Park and Terlingua Fire and EMS personnel responded to the fire, notified park visitors and staff, ensured visitor safety and protected park resources in the vicinity of the fire. Higher humidity, colder temperatures, and somewhat diminished winds help slow the fire during the evening hours, along with fire fighter efforts to work hot spots along the fire perimeter. The fire was worked by up to 75 personnel. The fire burned an estimated 1792 acres, and was contained as of 6pm on February 6th . No park structures were damaged nor have any injuries occurred. Fire personnel have been released and are returning to their home units. This fire is an example of how spring winds, dry conditions, and high fuel loads can quickly spread flame and promote burning. Visitors are asked to be careful with any heat sources, and especially open flames. Visitors can find out more about the Powerline Fire at http://www.facebook.com/BigBendNPS, or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BigBendNPS. Superintendent Cindy Ott-Jones said, “Thank you to all the responders for your hard work and quick response. We wish you a safe trip home.”