News Release

Wildfire on the South Rim Contained

View of the burned area with Emory Peak in the distance.

NPS

News Release Date: April 22, 2022

Contact: Tom VandenBerg, 432-477-1107

Contact: Heather Rickleff, 317-508-2932

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS – A wildfire on the remote South Rim of the Chisos Mountains that started on Wednesday, April 20th was officially declared contained at 30 acres on Thursday afternoon.

Aided by cool morning temperatures and higher humidity, a crew of 10 Los Diablos firefighters and park rangers were able to conduct an early morning direct attack on the north flank before the fire had a chance to flare up in the heat of the day. The fire spread was restricted by the cliffs of the south rim to the south and west, and the fire scar from the 2021 fire to the east.

Containment means that the fire’s spread has been stopped, but there is still much work to be done. The crew will remain at the fire for a couple of days to mop up the perimeter and cool down remaining hot spots. The park mule team will head into the remote area again today to provide support with water and supplies.

The fire will only be declared out when no more burning, smoke, or hot spots remain. For safety and to provide the fire personnel room to work, the backpacking campsites South Rim 2, 3, and 4 and the trail segment between Laguna Meadows and the South Rim will remain closed through Saturday night. The cause of the fire is under investigation and unknown at this time.

Continued drought, high temperatures and low humidity mean extreme fire conditions continue throughout the West. Park visitors are reminded to be extremely careful. Fires are prohibited in Big Bend National Park and smoking is prohibited on all park trails.