BROWNSVILLE – Brownsville fire crews are working to put out a large grass fire near Palm and Mexico Boulevard.

Brownsville Fire Department Chief Carlos Elizondo said the crews have the blaze under control. About 20 firefighters remain on scene to make sure the flames do not start up again.

The flames covered about 13 to 15 acres along the levee. There is an IDEA Public School and some homes about a mile from the area.

Elizondo said that is the reason for the heavy and continued presence.

“We did start a back burn just so we could stop the fire from processing northward. The problem right now is this high wind. We are factoring in its been changing directions, so it’s been a little more difficult, and also with the heavy brush that we have to send our firefighters in to,” he said.

Elizondo said their drone footage shows a fire on the Mexican side of the river. He believes burning embers traveled onto the American side because of the strong winds.

Brownsville fire crews will remain on scene to monitor the situation.