Historic Buildings Destroyed, Damaged in Fire at Big Bend National Park

A fast-moving fire that originated in Mexico jumped the Rio Grande on Wednesday evening, spreading through Big Bend National Park and destroying a historic building, officials said.The fire caused "extensive damage" to the Castolon Historic District of the park, officials said. It destroyed the barracks building and the La Harmonia Store and Castolon Visitor Center inside, as well as nearby restrooms. The blaze also damaged the Officer's Quarters in the area and authorities evacuated Cottonwood Campground. No employees or visitors were hurt in the fire.The buildings in the Castolon district were erected about 100 years ago to house American troops during the Mexican Revolution."It is heartbreaking to have lost La Harmonia, a major icon of Big Bend's history," acting Superintendent Tom VandenBerg said in a statement. "High temperatures, extremely dry conditions, and strong winds have made this fire particularly challenging."  Continue reading...

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