Salt Flat, TX – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded their investigation into the cause of the fire on Guadalupe Peak on December 8, 2015 was not connected to an aviation crash. Original reports to the FAA indicted that the cause could have been a small plane crash, but search crews have not been able to substantiate this report. Discovery of debris from a small airplane were later identified as remains from an older crash by park officials. Rocky terrain and poor flying conditions have slowed investigations. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Interagency Fire Suppression Resources team contained the fire and National Park Service Special Investigative Services concluded site investigations over the weekend. The ongoing investigation into the incident will continue. The public is encouraged to report any information regarding this incident to the Investigative Services Protection Tip Line at (888) 653-0009. Park closures due to onsite investigations have been removed. All Pine Springs trails and the Pine Springs campground in the park have reopened for public use.
Park information, including park conditions, closures, restrictions, weather and program information are available on the park’s website www.nps.gov/gumo or by telephone at (915) 828-3251 ext. 2124. The Pine Springs Visitor Center is open daily, except December 25, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also visit the park on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Information from NPS