“It was a wave of fire”; Sunday morning brings calm winds, preparation for another day of fire ahead; Fort Davis taking stock
By TOM HAINES, ROBERT HALPERN, and ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN
MARFA – Winds calmed overnight Saturday and fire crews in and around Fort Davis and Marfa were trying to secure fire lines before more heavy wind and flames returned during the day Sunday to an area already reeling.
The fire began early afternoon yesterday and raced northward from an area to the west of Marfa, burning structures, livestock and wildlife in its path. Destruction of homes and buildings was said to be worst in Fort Davis, where dozens of homes reportedly burned.
Texas Forest Service air crews were expected to begin making drops shortly after daybreak today in an effort to finally get a handle on a fire that was zero percent contained throughout the day yesterday.
“If they can hit it, they can hit it hard and do us a lot of good,” Gary Mitschke, Presidio County Emergency Services Coordinator, said at 7am today.
Mitschke confirmed reports from the front lines throughout yesterday that this fire moved with unprecedented speed and breadth.
“I’ve seen a lot of fire spread out in this country, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said. Winds gusts were clocked at 50 miles per hour and more; grass and other fuel were extremely dry after more than six months without rain.
Highway 17 between Marfa and Fort Davis remained closed Sunday morning.
Ground zero: the remains of the old rock shop west of Marfa on Highway 90 where the fire began. (staff photos by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)
Mitschke said that the line of fire west of Marfa seems largely contained, though the eastern flank remains a concern. Six bullbozers are grading the fire line, and crews from Texas Forest Service are expected to join the effort to protect Marfa.
“Unless we get a complete wind shift out of the opposite direction, Marfa will be ok,” Mitschke said. “Right now we just need to be real cautious.”
Mitschke was at the entrance to Mano Prieto Estates, just over the pass between Marfa and Fort Davis, when the fire jumped Highway 17 yesterday afternoon.
“I respect fire and I was never as scared of it as I was then. It was a wave. It was a wave of fire,” Mitschke said. “There were cattle out there that got run off and burned. The last vision I had was a heard of aoudad running. That fire was outrunning them. I know they burned. No telling how many livestock were lost.”
Near midnight last night, crews in Fort Davis were hustling to respond to burns in every direction.
“We still have fire in Fort Davis. Houses are still burning. All through Fort Davis,” said Robert Poenisch, chief of the Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department, near 10 pm Saturday. “Some on the west side, some on the south side, some in the middle and some on the east. Dozens of houses. At least. Dozens.”
The fire had burned into Davis Mountains State Park, which has been evacuated. Limpia Crossing and the Davis Mountains Resort were evacuated earlier. The fire is heading toward Wild Rose Pass, north of Fort Davis, Poenisch said.
“We’ve lost I don’t know how many structures and houses,” he said.
Miraculously, no one had been seriously injured, other than reports of smoke inhalation, the fire chief said.
In Marfa, brush trucks spent the night patrolling a fire line west, north and east of the city at 10 pm in an attempt to protect the city should winds change and push flames southward. That did not happen.
The wildfire, which began at approximately 1:30 pm two miles west of Marfa, was raging as of 10pm ten miles north of Marfa, with flames visible along mountain ridges east of Highway 17 .
An evacuation of Fort Davis was ordered shortly before 6pm. Flames were said to have reached the center of the city, near the Hotel Limpia, but that building is said to have been saved. Hydrants were running dry in Fort Davis.
“There’s no water. The fire department has been using dirt,” said Jan Poenisch, whose parents lost their Fort Davis home.
She said the Truheart Museum, next door to her parents home, was thought to be okay.
“So far, I think they’ve been able to save it,” she said.
The fire began early this afternoon just south of Highway 90 about 2 miles west of Marfa. It quickly jumped the highway and 30 mile per hour gusts pushed it beyond Marfa Municipal Airport, 4 miles north of town, in well under an hour. By 6pm, the wildfire had reached to within a mile or two of Fort Davis and a full evacuation of the town was ordered.
Structures had burned at Mano Prieto Estates, a ranch subdivision south of Fort Davis, and the fire covered a wide swath of land around the “Y” intersection where highways 17 and 166 intersect south of town.
At 5:35pm, Bob Dillard, publisher of the Jeff Davis County Mountain Dispatch, was watching the fire from Blue Mountain.
“I see the fire at the Y. I see flames at the Y. It’s moved across 166, and its on both sides of the Marfa Highway (17),” Dillard said by telephone.
“It’s in the Mano Prieto pretty big. It’s in the McKnight (ranch) big time.”
Cows released from a pasture after being threatened by the flames cross Highway 17 between Marfa and Fort Davis. (Staff photo by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)
Dillard said there were flares of flames around the Fort Davis Village Farms greenhouses.
“I’m assuming that’s what’s burning, too,” he said.
Law enforcement and fire crews were speeding toward town along 166 from Valentine, apparently en route from Van Horn, Sierra Blanca and other points west. Dillard said the wind at times appeared to be shifting to out of the west, which might push the line of fire to the east of Fort Davis.
“It depends 100 percent on what the wind does,” Dillard said. “If it keeps coming out of the southwest, yes, I don’t see how it avoids coming right at town.”
Such a route could also take the fire up and into the Davis Mountains, including the state park and Indian Lodge.
Posts from local residents on Facebook indicate that evacuations have been ordered for the Davis Mountains Resort, as well as Mano
Flames at the north end of Presidio County.
Prieto and other areas south of Fort Davis. A wildfire is burning near Alpine, and residents from the Sunny Glen area were reportedly evacuated.
Highway 90 west of Marfa, where the fire began, was closed to traffic in both directions but has since reopened. Highway 17 between Marfa and Fort Davis was closed as of 5pm and all roads into and out of Fort Davis were reportedly still closed as of 9pm.
Crews respond on Highway 90 west of Marfa at approximately 2pm this afternoon. The fire appears to have started just south of the highway, but quickly leapt north. (staff photos by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)
As the fire jumped the train tracks alongside Highway 90 it engulfed a railroad bridge, which has burned.
Flames reached the edge of Marfa Municipal Airport, and neared the Village Farms Greenhouses, though they did not burn structures there. As a precaution, Border Patrol agents assisting with the response evacuated people from the airport, where owners were keeping an eye on airplanes, cars and other storage in the collection of hangers and buildings on the property.
The fire appears to have begun at approximately 1:30pm inside or near an unoccupied house – the old rock shop two miles west of Marfa. That structure is destroyed. Marfa Volunteer Fire crews responded to that scene, and have been scrambling northward as well. State firefighters have been called in, but it is not known how quickly they can arrive. Border Patrol, Marfa EMS, Presidio County Sheriff’s Deputies, AEP technicians and others were all responding.
The fire line heading north toward Jeff Davis County.
The fire appears to have begun in or near an unoccupied home, which was quickly destroyed.
Winds and dry conditions severely outmatched initial resources. State fire crews have been called in. It is unclear when they will arrive.
Seven months of no rain has left grass ready to burn quickly.
George Salgado of AEP cuts a fence to save cows that were threatened by fire.
Cows run from the wildfire north of Marfa Saturday afternoon.
Story filed under: Top Stories
135 Responses to ““It was a wave of fire”; Sunday morning brings calm winds, preparation for another day of fire ahead; Fort Davis taking stock”
What about the Presbyterian Church in Fort Davis?
What about the Prude Ranch?
Does anyone know how the Waterston’s Rocking W Ranch fared?
Bill/Nancy…..
I wanted to express my deapest sympathy for everyone in Ft. Davis and surrounding areas. All of you are in our hearts and prayers.
Sean A.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. For those that have asked, The Davis Mountains Inn was spared even though several of our neighbor’s homes behind us are gone. My heart breaks for all those families who lost their homes. The Drug Store and downtown buildings are safe. Thanks to Texas Forest Service, Local Emergency Services and other state and federal agencies and all emergency personnel that have flooded in to help Ft. Davis. We do live in an amazing community. We will recover….. like one young boy said who lost his home….”It will be really green when it rains.” That is a great outlook!
This is nana and grand dads house!!! =(
We have family in Alpine (we are in MD). Are praying for all and my heart hurts for all the losses. Thanks to God for all who helped fight this disaster !!!
I was raised in Marfa and this sadden us to see the damage from the fire’s. Especially the hard hit area around Ft. Davis. We send our prayers to all and hope everyone is safe. Will be in the area end of the week and will visit friends. Wondering if the Ft. Davis Estates east of town going towards Alpine was safed.
Our prayers and wishes to all.
My heart is breaking for everyone out there and to see the area I grew up in be on fire. I pray and pray that rain will come yalls way. It makes me sick to think about everyone who has lost their home and their animals. Please God let it rain and let the wind stop blowing so they can get these devasting fires out soon.
Having lived in Alpine in the seventies while teaching at Sul Ross, I have so many fond memories of Jeff Davis County and especially the Fort Davis area. My heart goes out to the many wonderful people of the entire affected area. I hope and pray that any lingering fires are put out quickly and recovery is as swift and complete as possible.
We are just speechless. Visited Fort Davis ,Fort Davis Mountain State Park ,Observatory, and the Fort Davis Historical area, three weeks ago. What a beautiful area and very friendly community. Our prayers are with the community and those helping. God be with you all and pray for your safety. Steve and Phyllis from Fort Clark Springs, Texas
Hi Robert,
Thanks for keeping up the flow of information. Alexandra and I are doing our best to keep up with things from here in Europe. We’re just dumbfounded by the magnitude of the whole thing. Hope to see you in September, when we return to Alpine, and that the area will have received all the relief that’s needed. -Dan
Moved from Alpine last year to New Orleans. Sitting in the library crying over my computer after seeing photos of the fires. My prayers and love go out to everyone in the big bend area. I have a sister still in alpine looking for someplace to offer her helping hands.
The affected residents of Marfa, Ft. Davis, and Alpine are in my heart and my thoughts at this very difficult time. Though Austin is home right now, Alpine is home forever and is an integral part of who I am. Despite this devastating situation, I am certain that the tenacity and vigor of the West Texas spirit will ensure recovery through compassion and cooperation of those who love the area and its amazing residents so much. All my love and prayers to those who need it most right now.
I voulnteer for South Hays Fire Dept out of San Marcos Texas which is Just south of our state capitol. 4 of our guys and a truck were sent up there yesturday, along with a few other depts around our area. Wish I could go but I work for our locall 911 center. Hope all stay safe and thanks for everyones help andconcern for all the people up there.
I have friends in Limpia crossing and come to Ft. davis every year for the Texas Star Party at the Prude! I was born in Midland and have a deep connection with West Texas… I am sickened over this!! I am in Sugar Land,TX now and we are in a severe drought status also! I hope things greatly improve before summer!!
Help us find out about the Allen Gilchrists and Loyd Overcash places.
Thank you Emily for a sincere reply to my sincere concern… And I’ve also learned that when you call the American Red Cross, you can specify that you are donating to the West Texas, Ft. Davis & Marfa area fire relief effort.
Robert, thanks for responding to all these messages so quickly. You have gone above and beyond, in terms of journalism and community service. I remember thinking the same, when you let my Presidio newspaper class publish in your paper, way back when.
I pray that everyone ends up safe and that God protects the people out there fighting that fire.
Save your stupid comments. Some of the most dedicated, wonderful and caring people will be Christ followers and they will out there helping get the place back together, feeding people for free, providing water and showers, clothing and comfort. Be sure to come by and thank them, Jay.
As of about 12 hours ago the fire was mostly out around High Frontier and none of the buildings had sustained damage. Power was out.
praying for rain, and an end to this fire storm. hugs, prayers and hope that all of you stay safe out there…
jpv
ATX
As a former Marfa resident and BB Sentinel editor, I am heartsick for this area and its people who I still love, and hugely appreciative of the excellent coverage!! My next step is an online donation; I would like to do more . . . Strength and spirit to all of you firefighters and residents whose health and safety are on the line, and to those who’ve lost their homes I am so sorry! I will be glued to this website and Facebook for the duration.
Shelley in Dallas
I hope that Hope’s Ranch is ok, too…. Thanks for your reply.
Hi all,
I live in the DMR and the fire did not come into the resort. We were not evacuated yesterday. Please say a prayer for our firefighters the winds are still very high.
Liz’s bunkhouse dodged the fire, barely. The big house on the south side of Fort Davis didn’t.
It is Sunday night and I Just got off the phone with our son who also attends The High Frontier School. They are safe and still at the church. Our son sounded really good and in good spirits but concerned about the school. The call was short so they could get all the families called. May you all hear from your loved ones very soon.
Was it the bunkhouse on the ranch that burned, or the house on the hill in FD?
A beautiful, historic home lost. My heart and prayers go out to Bobby and Linda.
Thank you for the update! I just spoke with my son and he said they may be at the church for a few days.
So shocked to hear this. I spent a wonderful week in Alpine a couple of summers ago. West TX is so beautiful, including the people. God bless you all & keep everyone safe.
McKnight home was lost.
It is hard to watch up close too. I was trapped in town until 9pm last night, then had to race through flames to make it home in Crows Nest. So far DMR and the Nest have escaped. But we are some of the few lucky. Power was just turned back on here… not sure when it will be p for the town. Fires have also flared up again this afternoon in town. The smoke just billows over the tops of the mountains.
Any word on the status of the High Frontier? I know the students have been evacuated and are okay. I was just wondering if any of the HF had been burned?
Does anyone know if the McKnight home was damaged?
no it wasn’t
http://bigbendnow.com/2011/04/update-fort-davis-on-fema-radar/
Does anyone know if the Ft. Davis Drugstore was burned?
Speak for yourself. I for one want all the prayers I can get.
I also have a son at the High Frontier. I spoke with him Sat. night. Are there any new updates? Are they still at the chuch in Alpine? Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.
I also have a son at the High Frontier. I am so thankful they are all safe. Are there any new updates?
I just spoke to a High Frontier counselor who reports that the fire went around the ranch and nothing was damaged. The students are staying at the Baptist church, went to the State Park today and are all doing well. What a blessing that the school was saved!
Any word if FEMA is going to help out? Just because we are a small community area does not mean we should be forgotten about. History and culture are not the only things that have been lost in this tragedy. Ranchers and their life and the lives of many others who call this area home are in danger. Let’s pray relief comes soon. Those agencies that are already there thank you for helping our family, friends and loved ones.
The fire was/is east of Bloys.
Most everything north of Texas 17 was spared.
Any status/news on the Old Schoolhouse B&B?
Any news of Bloy’s Camp between Marfa and Fort Davis?
The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are providing relief in Ft Davis. Donate to them. Food donations, especially bottled water are appreciated at the fire stations in Marfa, Ft. Davis and Alpine.
Skip & I hope Nancy Davis & her husband who just bought& fixed up the drugstore are alright also our friends Jerry & Nelda Miles who own Nelda’s cafe & Bookstore. We care for all our friends & the wonderful people of Ft. Davis .Skip & Beverly Casjens
Wow. What an awful comment….save it buddy.
We have a place in Davis Mountain Resort. Has there been any fire there? From what I read it seems we escaped fire. Is there an address where I can send supplies/money? I’m a teacher and our kids have a trip planned to Fort Davis in May. They love all the pictures of our place. They will want to collect food, clothes, etc like we did for Katrina and Haiti. I will start making announcements tom morning. Get me an address asap
Claire Groves
Praying for all the families from this area and the crews that are fighting the flames. Also praying for the crew already in the area to rebuild. Thank you for the updates Sentinal. Especially praying for the AEP guys including my Dad!!! Peace Be With You
Sorry to hear about the fire, glad to hear no lost of lives. We are praying this will be contained soon and there will be no more homes damaged. Thanks goes out to all the men and women fighting this to bring it under control.
Thank you.
My daughter is at High Frontier. I am very thankful that everybody is safe, and that it sounds like the school will come through this intact. It would have been heartbreaking to have such a wonderful place harmed. A big thank you to everybody who has helped with the evacuation and with fighting the fire. My thoughts remain with you all down there on the front line. I hope the worst is behind us.
Thanks for the coverage of this event. Folks, this is not about God. We can all talk about what we hope and about praying and “God Blessing,” which are fine wishes, but what can we DO to truly help those in need today? People have lost homes and property. God and wishes and prayers won’t rebuild homes, but people can help facilitate temporary shelter and food for those affected. Is there a relief fund set up for those who are emotionally and/or physically hurting? If, so please publish where we can send our contributions.
My heart goes out to all of the familys…their loss is our loss too,
i spent all of my teen years in the marfa / ft davis / alpine area’s and
wish i was there now to help out all i could…i now live in Oregon and still thru family hear of all of this awful news….god be with each and everyone of you…..i will keep everyone there in my prayers and will be waiting to hear your all safe…..Big Big hugs from a former marfa gal’
I used to live in marfa anf i am so sad to hear about the fire and the the building in ft davis my heart is hurting for you who i know i am praying for you and that everyone is ok that is the main thing please keep me inform about everything i am planning on coming to marfa in may thank you
yess thank you for all the help you have given to us and lets all thank GOD for not letting anybody get serously injured and lets all pray to GOD to stop these terrible fires and yes al of us lets pray for rain soo that there wont be any more fires….
No damage to Observatory. Some people sent there to avoid fire in Fort Davis Saturday night. Though water and other utilities there taxed.
To everyone in the Big Bend and Davis Mountains areas, may God rain blessings and safety on you!
Sounds like Bobby McKnight might have got hit pretty hard.
Steve Munday
Fort Worth, Texas
stevemunday@sbcglobal.net
can anyone confirm the status of the observatory? Any damage?
Talked to Becky last night and she said their home is ok. The fire burned all around them but not the house. Haven’t heard about Ramon’s (he bought my home on Cavalry Rd) four years ago.
We have spoken with at least two families in Limpia Crossing and they are safe – it appears from KRTS that Limpia Crossing has been spared so far. Alpine Avalanche and KTRS are providing additional updates online.
The Antelope Lodge in Alpine has vacancies for tonight and will make them available for those evacuated from the Ft.Davis area free of charge. Phone is (432) 837-2451, or (800) 880-8106 or just come by.
My prayers are for the folks all over the area! I was in Ft Davis for the bike race and wish there would of been a way to help! I felt horrible leaving knowing what was happening. Thank you to the brave folks that were out there doing their best to stop the fire from advancing… looked impossible. Thank you for the coverage! please keep it coming.
Some of the pictures I’ve seen are incredible. My heart does go out to the residents of Ft. Davis and other areas affected.
Thank you, Big Bend Sentinel, for the best information I’ve found; please, keep it coming!
I was born in Marfa, on the old Fort D.A.Russell…I have long ties w/ the area, esp. Ft. Davis, and dearly LOVE that wonderful country! My sister called this AM to tell me that she’d gotten word that our aunt’s Ft.Davis home had burned to the ground. Our aunt was safely evalcuated, for which we thank God, but there are SO MANY wonderful memories of summers there in that wonderful house, and I am just SICK to read of the devastation in Ft. Davis and all around. For now, all I can do is to send up fervent prayers for the safety of everyone, animals included, in the area…and for the winds to lay, and rain to fall!!
God Help West Texas!
Margo
Thanks for such a wonderful coverage and the devasting photos, my prayers are with each and everyone of you..God bless all the fireman, police..etc… may the lord give them the strength to keep on fighting those fires…lets keep praying for rain, rain rain….
Spoke to my Dad, John Marsh, last night. They were evacuated from Limpia Crossing last night and he was watching the fire from the observatory. Went back home at midnight. We are awaiting word from a neighbor this morning.
IF ANYONE NEEDS TO BRING THEIR HORSES OR LIVESTOCK TO MY RANCH SOUTH OF ALPINE LET ME KNOW 432-364-2856
I HAVE ROOM, WATER, and hay….
Thank you for covering this story… prayers to all..
My heart goes out to all the folks in Ft. Davis. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you, Sentinel, for keeping us up-to-date. Thank you to all of our firefighters, policemen, and emergency crews for doing such an outstanding job.
THANK YOU SENTINEL for the excellent coverage! My thoughts and prayers are with the town of Ft. Davis and Marfa. Here’s praying for rain and low winds. Please keep the photos and information coming.
Thank you Sentinal for keeping us informed. I hope everyone stays safe. Thank you to all those firefighters out there trying to contain this fire.
I got the call last nite from John about the fires, it saddens me. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Everyone needs to pray for rain! God bless everyone involved–hang out to prayer! It is amazing how our KING OF KINGS gives us strength!
My prayers are with my parents and my brother and his family in Fort Davis. This is just devastating and I feel helpless being so far away in Austin. I will pray the fires will be contained.
West Texans are tough; you will overcome this tragedy. My prayers are with you all. To all those I grew up with, stay strong and fight. To those hard working firefighters fighting those fires with dirt, my heart goes out to you and thank you for being there on the front lines.
Can anyone tell me about Limpia Creek Park. Wandering about Tom and Pat’s place?
Dr. Dave Taylor wishes all to know that the Fort Davis Veterinary Services vet clinic is open for emergencies, and that all animals boarded with them are just fine. Can call at 432-426-3086, or 432-386-6185.
My family here in Canada have been spending a very uneasy time here awaiting news of my brother and his wife’s safety, and the status of their Fort Davis Veterinary Clinic. Just got off the phone with relatives in Fredericksburg to learn everyone is okay, their buildings seem to be standing. Thanks to God for His protection! Just awaiting news of the homes of other family and friends down there – may God be gracious. Sure wish we could send down our springtime rains . . . Praying for continued protection and safety for everyone in the area there.
- Sooz
Thank you Big Bend Sentinel for the updates. Marfa Public Radio is out, so I am relying on the Sentinel website.
My heart goes out to the people and the animals in Ft. Davis.
Thank you. If you hear anything else please let me know. I just sold my home North of Houston and planed to move out there next week. My new home is in the DMR. If anyone hears of any volunteers needed as well I would be more than happy to help in any way needed.
Thanks again my prayers go out for everyone in this area I have never been so in love with an area and its people.
Mark and I are sick to learn about the devastation. We have been unable to reach family and friends by phone and are thankful for the frequent, detailed updates and the live streaming on KRTS. Your excellent reporting helps me feel connected. Our prayers are with you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the areas in Jeff Davis and Presidio counties affected by these fires.
We have property in the Davis Mountains Resort, but do not have a house there to worry about.
We hope and pray friends there are okay. We also are praying for the firefighters that God will give them the strength and endurance necessary to effectively fight these fires.
Thanks to the staff of the Big Bend Sentinel for their excellent reporting.
God’s Peace to everyone involved in this.
Bill, the Lowrey’s have phone service and so far are safe. You can reach them on the home phone. Lisa
Does anyone have news from Limpia Crossing? No telephone contact with anyone there since yesterday afternoon.
Our child is also with High Frontier, and he called late last night to say they wer ein a church. Thanks for evacuating. How is everyone today? How long with they stay there, and where will they go next? Did High Frontier School building get damaged at all?
Thanks for any updte you can offer!
we are praying for all our family and friends in the marfa, ft. davis and alpine area. we were frantic all night for news that everyone was safe. lord take care of everyone and please watch over the men trying to fight the fires
All High Frontier students have been safely evacuated to Hillside Baptist Church in Alpine.
Please keeep us updated. Been praying all night. Post picutres if you have any. Last I heard the old Drug Store, gas station, hotel, cemetery, and several homes have be destroyed. Our place North of Limpia Creek is safe for now. Any one else have updates?
Very sad. I hope the fires are able to be contained before any more damage is done. The area sure needs rain.
Thoughts and prayers to everyone in the area.
Susan, Have you heard from Maggie. I talked to her at about midnight Central Standard Time. She was still at the house. I said I was going to call her in one hour to wake her up if she fell asleep. I called both her land line and cell and got no answer. I cannot get Sophie to answer in Houston. If you hear from her please call, or anyone else if you know where she is. This is her sister in CA. I am frantic. Thanks Amy
661 321-0456
Fort Davis really took a hard hit. Fires are still burning all over town, as well as in the surrounding areas. Both Village Farm facilities made it through the fire.
I just came home from work and read this terrible news. My heart and prayers go out to everyone there. I have many fond memories from Ft Davis including attending the Dedication of The restored fort with Lady Bird Johnson delivering the key note address. Godspeed everyone.
We feel so bad for all our friends and neighbors who live there in Fort Davis. We have been getting calls all night about all the different homes that were lost. Hopefully God will protect the lives of the people who live there. We miss our home and all our friends there. Our prayers go out to you.
Your Red Cross is sheltering evacuees in Midland, Alpine and Balmorhea. Hundreds of West Texans are being forced to watch smoke billow and hope their homes are safe from the destructive fire. You can help these evacuees NOW by donation to your Red Cross at http://www.arcswtx.org or mailing your donation to PO Box 60310 Midland, TX 79711
It is very sad to know that the home town you grew up in is in flames, I have so many good memories, I have some family, that well be staying with.me here in Odessa.til it is safe to go back home, If they have a home, And. If not they well have a home with me. Lets pray for my friends and family and those fighting the fire, Dear God give them the will to face all that is happening, To not lose faith, To be strong to face what’s head, to realize that life is more important then anything else, Every day stuffcan be replace, But life it self can’t, God bless my home town people with a new day.
There has to be something we all can do instead of just pray and worry. What can we do as a society do to help them?
My prayers and my heart, are with you, during this crises. I lived in Marfa for 11yrs. raised my children there. My heart goes out to “All” our friends. I am deeply saddened by what is happening there. God Bless you and keep you all safe, I am praying for “RAIN” Love you all.
As the authors of these posts have already said, although I have not lived in the area for many years, I treasure childhood memories and precious friendships with families in all three towns. We pray that all the residents escape injury and that the fire is contained soon.
Prayers for Barry Blevins, Director of High Frontier School and for all the teens he so lovingly serves in Ft. Davis, as well as all of the staff in his employ.
Our fourteen year old son is in your care; thank you so much for having him call us in California tonite, 10:0pm, to let us know he has been evacuated. Where are you guys???
We anxiously await any news we can get.
Praying for the Fort Davis and Marfa communities. Praying also for protection for those fighting the fires.
I am praying for everyones safety and for the fire to be contained quickly.
Thank you for your excellent up-to-the minute coverage and photos.
My heart goes out to those who have suffered loss. I would like information on how I can help.
My prayers also go to those fighting the fires and working for the safety of others…people and animals.
May God send some needed rain. Words can not express how my heart feels. I Pray for my home area. Thank God for Big Bend Now for keeping us posted.
Pls Jesus, give all in Ft. Davis strength.
Big Bend Sentinel has been the best source for information in this disaster. Thank you! Thank you! The whole town of Marathon has no power as of about 11:30 pm.
My brother and his wife live in the resort. It has been evacuated. That is what I was told around 9PM this evening!!
This is so sad. Prayers going out to all in that area.
i moved to AZ from Alpine about a year and a half ago, but feel a deep connection to w texas, and am sick about this fire. I will be praying hard for all of you.
I grew up in Alpine and I don’t ever remember a fire this bad. Please everyone pray for all of those people who are fighting the fires and those who has lost their properties,
So terribly sad.
Sending prayers and strength from Austin.
having grown up in Marfa this news saddens me. my family prays for everyone in the area, in hopes that all will be safe.
We are heavy hearted and praying for our friends, loved ones and everyone in the tri-county area.
May The Lord Strengthen You In This Hour Of Trial.. Our Prayes Are For You And Your Loved Ones,May This Fire Be Controlled Quickly And Cease It’s Destruction In The Name Of JESUS ! AMEN !
Does anyone know anything about the DMR? Or how close the fire is to it?
Amazing job, Sentinal folks, covering this awful story. I love it down there, and I hope everyone stays safe.
I’m in shock!….my heart is sick!!…praying for my old Ft. Davis friends and neighbors…Lord have mercy!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Ft. Davis and to all who are fighting this fire. I pray that this fire may be put out soon! God bless!
We are all Praying for our friends and family in West Texas. Thank you Big Bend Sentinel for keeping us up to date.
Very hard to watch from afar..
I just read this article to my friend Maggie McCollum via cell phone ih Fort Davis. There is no news there and there is no way to evacuate as the roads are closed. I am praying for Maggie and the whole town of Fort D. which we love. God be with you all
Thank you Big Bend Sentinel!
Thank you Big Bend Sentinel!!!
Thanks for the reports. We’ll be here all night. If you want to join us on the web-stream for further audio updates.
To my friends in Fort Davis, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I can’t believe this is happening. My parents are on vacation in New Mexico and planned on coming through town in a few days. There first time since we moved away in 1984. Becky, Worth and Ramon, please be careful!!
Praying… I am so worried and sad
Our heart is very sorrowful. There are no words!! May all our Fort Davis a Marfa- heck the whole Big Bend area friends be safe!!!. Our prayers are with EVERYONE. We are stunned with shock.
Our prayers are with all who are affected and the ones fighting these fires…
Thank you for keeping all of us informed. It’s hard to watch from 1,600 miles away.
May God help everyone Please pray!!!!
I have alot of friends and family who live in Fort Davis and the surounding area. I hope that everyone is safe and the fire is put out soon before any property / homes are lost in this dreadful fire. Love & prayers to you all especially the Olivas, Dutchover, Martinez and Granados families. Also to my good friend Mrs Belinda Nesbit Lopez love and prayers to you and your husband too. God Bless our friends and in Texas……………
great coverage of the event..
Is FD evac 4 real??