El Paso County Courthouse fire prompts evacuation, closure

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- On Monday, the employees at the El Paso County Courthouse downtown had to evacuate because of a fire, according to the El Paso Fire Department. The courthouse is closed for the rest of the day.

EPFD said employees received a text to evacuate the building Monday morning. The department said it received reports of smoke on the 13th floor.

The courthouse will stay closed for the rest of the day, according to an EPFD spokesperson.

Early voting started in Texas Monday. The El Paso County Elections Department said early voters can cast their ballots at the El Paso Senior Center (600 S. Ochoa St.), which is the closest alternative to the courthouse.