Terlingua Fire & EMS responded to two structure fires on Thursday, April 3, in a complex incident that involved multiple agencies and mutual aid partners across the Big Bend region.
The initial dispatch at approximately 3:06 p.m. sent Brush 1, Engine 2, Tender 4, Ambulance 5, and Command 1 to a reported structure fire within Big Bend Ranch State Park. Upon arrival, personnel from Terlingua Fire & EMS, the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office, and park staff were unable to access the fire due to its location in a deeply vegetated canyon. During the response, Brush 1 was involved in an accident in the backcountry, but all crew members were confirmed safe.
While still on scene, a second structure fire was reported at 3:42 p.m. on Terlingua Ranch. Engine 2, Tender 4, and Command 1 were rerouted to address the new incident. Additional units from Alpine Fire, Big Bend Fire, Big Bend Ranch State Park personnel, and other regional departments responded to provide mutual aid.
Presidio Fire and Redford Fire were requested to assist at the state park fire. Due to the difficult terrain and lack of access, the Texas A&M Forest Service was notified and dispatched reconnaissance aircraft for aerial assessment. Presidio County and state units later took over the state park fire response.
Ambulance 5 was reassigned to support the Terlingua Ranch Fire, while Big Bend National Park Fire Department responded to a separate report of smoke in the area.
Terlingua Fire & EMS expressed gratitude to its mutual aid partners, including Alpine Fire, Big Bend Fire, Big Bend Ranch State Park personnel, Presidio Fire, Redford Fire, BCSO deputies, and regional dispatch teams.
All responding personnel remained safe throughout the operations.
Image Credit: Terlingua Fire & EMS
