Poplar Fire And Rose Fire Remain Inactive

Grand Canyon, AZ - Weather has reduced the Poplar Fire's behavior, as a result, fire managers have begun to release firefighters back to their home units. The perimeter of the Poplar Fire is now 11,306 acres. Crews will resume patrol today for any hot spots, check roads for snags, mop-up, and monitor the northeast portion of the fire. Safety is a major concern for firefighters, as they remove snags along roads.

The Rose Fire remains inactive at this time. Fire behavior is creeping and smoldering. Firefighters continue to watch the fire for any hot spots or snags. One engine will continue to be assigned for patrol to monitor the fire. The Rose Fire is 3,482 acres. Both fires will show a minimum of fire behavior until significant snow falls.

On Wednesday afternoon smoke and haze began to infiltrate the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Smoke from the California fires has drifted over not only the Grand Canyon, but also the entire region. Smoky days may be experienced in the Canyon again. You may view the smoke column from the California fires by pulling up the park's web site at www.nps.gov/grca.

These fires pose potential hazards associated with continued burning. A temporary closure to ensure public safety has been implemented in the Swamp Ridge area. The Swamp Ridge Road (W-4) is closed from the Kanabownits Road junction, west to Swamp Point. The North Bass Trail has been closed from the trailhead at Swamp Point to Redwall Canyon. The Powell Plateau Trail has also been closed from the trailhead at Swamp Point to its terminus on Powell Plateau (full closure). The W-1 Road has been closed at Tiyo Point Road junction to Sublime Point. These areas will reopen as soon as fire behavior has moderated and the area is safe for reentry.

Fire Name	Status	Approximate Location	Start Date	Size
Poplar Fire	active	Big Springs area	09/04/03	11,306 acres
Rose Fire	active	south of Swamp Ridge Rd	10/07/03	3,482 acres

For additional information about the fires, call 928-638-7819. For backcountry travel information, call 928-638-7875. (www.nps.gov/grca/fire/)