TX-23 resident brief · Public safety
National park fire sparks uproar over the cause, but officials said it started with ‘controlled burns’ in Mexico
· Reported by Big Bend Sentinel (Marfa)
Bottom line
A 15-acre fire near Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park ignited from controlled burns on the Mexican side that crossed the Rio Grande. Officials confirmed the fire is still burning as of 4 p.m., with mesquite trees consumed in at least two locations.
Why it matters in TX-23
The incident has renewed interest in reauthorizing Los Diablos firefighters from Boquillas del Carmen to cross the border for U.S. fire response. This follows a pause in CBP barrier construction until a Tuesday meeting and Wednesday tour to gather local feedback.
More local news: Brewster County