50 El Paso firefighters battled brush fire in Upper Valley, kept blaze from spreading

Times staff report
·2 min read

El Paso Fire Department firefighters battled a Condition 4 brush fire Monday afternoon near the intersection of Doniphan and Crossroads drives in the Upper Valley.

The blaze was reported about 5 p.m., and 19 units with 50 firefighters were dispatched to contain the fire, which affected an empty lot between a residential home and the park at Shorty Lane, according to Enrique Dueñas-Aguilar, public affairs manager for the El Paso Fire Department.

Crews established a perimeter around the affected area and prevented it from spreading to other areas, including houses a few feet west of the brush fire.

Smoke from a brush fire is seen Monday afternoon over the Upper Valley near Doniphan and Crossroads drives, where 19 units carrying 50 firefighters were dispatched to battle a brush fire. Firefighters kept the blaze from spreading.
Smoke from a brush fire is seen Monday afternoon over the Upper Valley near Doniphan and Crossroads drives, where 19 units carrying 50 firefighters were dispatched to battle a brush fire. Firefighters kept the blaze from spreading.

No homes were damaged and no injuries were reported. The cause of fire is under investigation.

The El Paso Fire Department offers tips on preventing brush fires:

• Don't throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground or out of a vehicle. Dispose of them properly and make sure they are completely extinguished.

• Do not burn trash, leaves or brush outdoors; there is a permanent burn ban in the city of El Paso.

• Don't park cars, trucks or recreational vehicles on dry grass or shrubs. Exhaust systems on vehicles can reach a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees; it only takes about 500 degrees to start a brush fire in the summer.

• Parents should emphasize to their children the dangers of playing with fire. Many grass fires are started by children who have no idea how quickly flames can grow and spread.

• Homeowners who barbeque should maintain a 10-foot area free of brush and shrubbery around grills and propane tanks. Nonflammable screens should be placed over the grill. Never leave a grill unattended. After use, place grill ashes in a metal bucket and soak in water.

More: Cause of De Soto Hotel fire 'undetermined' after investigation into blaze in Downtown El Paso

More: Apartments damaged, one person injured in afternoon building fire in Central El Paso

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 50 El Paso firefighters battle Upper Valley brush fire Monday