The Horse Pasture Fire had moved into the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park/NPS

Dozens of firefighters on Friday were battling flames in Big Bend and Theodore Roosevelt national parks.

The Horse Pasture Fire in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota covered roughly 5,000 acres and was 70 percent contained going into Friday, but winds predicted to gust to 30 mph during the day could expand the blaze. The fire was reported last Saturday, burning in the Little Missouri National Grassland that encircles Theodore Roosevelt. It's cause was under investigation.

Winds have challenged firefighters trying to keep the fire within established firelines.

At one point, more than 80 firefighters from state and federal agencies were working to suppress the Horse Pasture Fire, but initial attack crews assigned to the fire were dispatched Thursday evening to assist with a fire start southwest of Williston near Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Several closures remain in place for areas impacted by the Horse Pasture Fire. The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park remains closed. The McKenzie Ranger District of the Little Missouri National Grassland closed the CCC Campground, the northernmost portion of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, the Long X and Sunset Trail, Summit Campground, and the Summit Overlook and Viewpoint Trails. 

Far to the south in Texas in Big Bend, a much smaller fire was burning in a remote section of the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. On Thursday afternoon a small crew of firefighters hiked into the area and air reconnaissance from Texas Forest Service was dispatched from Alpine, Texas, to assess the location and extent of the fire.

Initial reports indicated that the fire was 15 acres in size and moving southward through open pinyon-juniper woodland and grass, said Deputy Superintendent David Elkowitz.

A wildfire was burning in a remote section of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park/TX Forest Service Air Attack

Steady winds pushed the flames to the cliff edge of the South Rim, which effectively slowed the spread, he said, and a series of retardant drops were initiated to slow the fire and give the firefighters time to reach the scene.

The South Rim is a rugged and remote location, only accessible via a 3-4 hour hike up steep trails. Fire personnel reached the area by early evening Thursday and began work on reducing fuels along trails, campsites, and prepping the area. 

By Friday morning, the fire was estimated at 15-20 acres in size. Friday's forecast calls for high winds, warm temperatures, and very low humidity. Winds are forecast from the West, which is favorable to help keep the fire from spreading. More firefighters, including additional Diablo firefighters from Mexico, were expected to arrive later Friday, bringing the total on the fire to 32. The park’s mule team also headed to the fire, carrying heavy loads of much needed water and equipment, said Elkowitz.

In addition to the area closures, fire restrictions have been implemented by land management agencies and counties within the areas surrounding the Horse Pasture Fire. With the approaching weekend, please recreate responsibly and check for fire restrictions.