UPDATE: Hotspots expected for ‘days’ following Alpine fire

BREWSTER COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- (UPDATED) Crews in Alpine remained on the scene of a devastating fire Monday in the downtown area where Judy’s Bed and Breakfast once stood. Officials with the Alpine Police Department said crews would remain for days to combat small “flare ups” and to ensure that the risk of spreading remained minimal.

The community has been asked to stay away from the area as suppression efforts continue.

Visit Alpine released this statement about the loss of one of Alpine’s historic landmarks:

“All of Alpine is mourning the loss of family businesses and cultural / historic landmarks after yesterday’s devastating downtown fire. We are immensely grateful that no lives were lost, and any injuries seem to be minor. The many agencies who immediately gathered to fight the fire and worked late into the night saving both property and lives all have our love and gratitude. Today, we begin to take stock. There is energy in the community, an overflowing desire to take action and help those whose livelihoods have been snatched away. Let’s move swiftly, but with focus and in the same direction, as best we can. This is a moment to assess, to make good plans, and then all pull together to care for our Alpine family and ensure that this shocking event brings us closer and the whole community emerges better and stronger.”

There’s no word yet on what caused the fire.

Crews continue to battle a blaze in downtown Alpine that damaged multiple buildings Sunday afternoon. The fire was about a block east of the historic Holland Hotel in Alpine.

According to the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office, as of 8:00 p.m. on May 26, firefighters had the fire contained to the already damaged structures and the fire is no longer “spreading”.

Witnesses at the scene said many stores and adjacent businesses have been destroyed and the smoke could be seen for “miles”.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Crews with the Alpine Volunteer Fire Department were assisted Sunday by firefighters from Marfa, Marathon, Fort Davis, as well as various crews from the Forest Service.

One firefighter was taken to the Big Bend Regional Medical Center for treatment and no other injuries have been reported.

Residents have been asked to stay away from the area as efforts to contain the fire continue; the investigation is ongoing.

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