News Release

Cutoff Ridge Fire Burning in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Date: July 17, 2023
Contact: Theresa Moore, [phone] ext. 2300

GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS – The Cutoff Ridge Fire continues to burn in the Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness, on the western escarpment of the park. The fire is currently 385 acres and is being managed by ground crews with air support. 

The park received a smoke report on July 14th around 3:00 pm, at which time a ground crew was sent to investigate. The ground crew, with the assistance of air support, was able to confirm the fire shortly after the report of smoke was received.   

"Firefighter and public safety is our top priority on this, and every, wildland fire in the National Park Service. We are grateful for the hard work of our firefighters, who are managing this fire in very hot weather. This fire is burning in a remote area of the park and currently poses no threat to life or property," said acting Superintendent Theresa Moore. 

Hot weather is expected to persist over the area for the remainder of the week. The fire will continue producing smoke and flames may be visible at times. Firefighters will be monitoring the fire’s location and activity and have identified strategies to manage the fire in the coming days. 

An emergency closure for all trails in Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness as well as Frijole, McKittrick Canyon, and Dog Canyon was put in place on June 28th due to extreme fire danger, and remains in effect until further notice. For more information on park closures, please visit: www.nps.gov/gumo/learn/news/fireclosures_06-2023.htm 

For more information on the Cutoff Ridge Fire please visit:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txgup-cutoff-ridge-fire