Smoke in the Mountains, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders in Jeff Davis County, has announced dates for its next major event. The 2026 Smoke in the Mountains cookoff is scheduled for June 5–6, 2026.
The organization was founded in the aftermath of the 2011 Rockhouse Fire, which burned more than 300,000 acres across the Davis Mountains region, destroying homes, livestock, and large swaths of land. During the fire, Fort Davis was evacuated, and residents faced uncertainty over whether they would have anything left to return to.
The experience highlighted the importance of emergency response resources in one of the most remote parts of Texas, where many firefighters and first responders serve as volunteers.
In 2012, Fort Davis resident Sara Adams launched Smoke in the Mountains as a way to give back to the first responders who protected the community during the fire and in other emergencies. The first barbecue cookoff was held at an RV park south of Fort Davis and quickly became a gathering point for competitors and community members. Several of the teams who participated in that first event continue to compete in barbecue events today.
Early supporters included Robert Rubio, a barbecue competitor known for his enthusiasm, generosity, and love of competition. Rubio remained a strong supporter of Smoke in the Mountains until his death in 2021. Adams passed away the following year.
In honor of their legacy, organizers revived the event in 2023, returning it to Fort Davis. That year, Smoke in the Mountains raised $50,000 for first responders in Jeff Davis County.
Organizers credit the event’s continued success to the organization’s board, volunteers, competitors, and supporters, as well as to the vision Adams set in motion more than a decade ago.
More information about Smoke in the Mountains and the upcoming 2026 event is available at smokeinthemountains.com.
