With increased success in fire containment and no growth in fire acreage, firefighters at Big Bend National Park have changed the focus from fire suppression to rehabilitation of damaged areas. Where the fire burned hot and any control lines were created, the ground can become channels for erosion if left unrepaired when summer monsoons come.

As of press time, the fire was more than 80% contained, with around 1,300 acres burned, and the fire is no longer considered a threat to developed areas.

On Friday, April 23, at 11 a.m., some trails and areas will open, including Window, Window View, Lost Mine, Basin Loop, Laguna Meadow, Blue Creek, and Dodson. Pinnacles, Boot Canyon, South Rim, East Rim, Juniper Canyon, and Colima will remain closed.

Backpacking campsites along the Laguna Meadows and Blue Creek Trails will reopen on Monday, April 26.

As drying and warming occurs, smoke might be noticed by the public, and should not be a cause for alarm.