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Wildfire Damages Historic Buildings At Big Bend National Park

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Published Date

May 23, 2019
The historic La Harmonia Store and Castolon Visitor Center were destroyed/NPS

The historic La Harmonia Store and Castolon Visitor Center were destroyed by a wildfire that started in Mexico and jumped the Rio Grand /NPS

A fast-moving wildfire that started in Mexico and jumped the Rio Grande River caused extensive damage to historic buildings in the Castolon Historic Area of Big Bend National Park.

Park staff spotted smoke on the Mexican side of the river on Tuesday, and on Wednesday evening they noticed winds carrying embers across the river and into Big Bend.

"Wildland and structural fire crews were alerted and mobilized. The fire rapidly spread, and embers from the fire landed on the historic barracks building, which housed the La Harmonia Store and Castolon Visitor Center," said park spokesman and acting superintendent Tom VandenBerg. "This building and the nearby restrooms were destroyed. The Officer’s Quarters suffered slight scorching damage. Cottonwood Campground was evacuated, but has not been damaged. All employees and visitors are accounted for and safe."

The fire, which had burned about 100 acres, was not fully contained as of Thursday morning.

“It is heartbreaking to have lost La Harmonia, a major icon of Big Bend’s history,” said VandenBerg. “High temperatures, extremely dry conditions, and strong winds have made this fire particularly challenging. The entire staff extends our deep appreciation to all of the fire crews who are working hard to contain this fire.”

The historic buildings in the Castolon District were built nearly 100 years ago to house units of the U.S. Cavalry during the Mexican Revolution. Damage to these structures is a loss to the rich history that the park preserves.

Closures are currently in place within the park, including the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Old Maverick Road, and River Road West from Buenos Aires to Castolon. This includes Cottonwood Campground and Santa Elena Canyon areas. These closures are in place for public safety and to allow the fire crews to work as efficiently as possible

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Comments

Submitted by Jo Anna on May 23, 2019 - 9:03pm.

Bad news!  We spent a few weeks camping in Big Bend with the kids a few years ago.  We visited these structures and were happy to have the respite from the heat.  Love Big Bend.  


Submitted by Robert on May 23, 2019 - 10:18pm.

Where is the daytime before picture?  Anyone with a clue?


Submitted by Anonymous on May 23, 2019 - 10:20pm.

We've requested them, but haven't gotten a response.


Submitted by Sperry Chalet? on May 24, 2019 - 12:44pm.

well...given the Secretary is from Colorado...not sure this will be a priority!

 


Submitted by Bob Conley on May 25, 2019 - 8:27am.

Think I've been there but not sure.  A before picture would have been nice. 

 


Submitted by Dick Shattuck on May 25, 2019 - 5:44pm.

Here's a link to a photo I took of the building last month.   

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sonoradick/47930857398/in/dateposted-public/


Submitted by Dick Shattuck on May 25, 2019 - 6:42pm.

And here's a better one, from 2016. In this one, the store's on the left, and the vc inside the porch area on the right.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sonoradick/30326953304/in/photolist-NcTyDf...

 

 


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