We've grown accustomed to media coverage of property threatened by raging wildfires in California, but… West Texas? Large fires that raced across the high desert last weekend caused major damage in the small town of Fort Davis. Thus far, the key historic structures at Fort Davis National Historic Site have escaped, but it's been a close call, and fires continue to burn in the vicinity.

Fort Davis National Historic Site preserves perhaps the best example of an Indian Wars' frontier military post in the Southwest, and the rugged terrain adds to the fort's appeal for modern-day visitors. That terrain, combined with severe drought and fierce winds, contributed to some of the worst fires in Texas history in recent days.

Last weekend, the Rock House Fire burned over 108,000 acres in the region, including more than 106 acres of pinion-juniper, brush and grass in the higher elevation area of Fort Davis National Historic Site. The area affected is on the west side of the park, and includes land just acquired by the NPS in January....