Fire Use Strategy Continues on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, AZ - In accordance with Mother Nature, the Powell Fire, which was started by a lightening strike on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon June 15, is being managed under a Wildland Fire Use Strategy which promotes ecosystem restoration.

The Powell Fire has grown to approximately 375 acres as of 7:00p.m. June 18, and "things are going really well on this fire" according to Craig Letz, Acting Fire Management Officer at the Grand Canyon.

In a ponderosa pine forest, which is primarily what is burning, fire is an essential part of the ecosystem. Fire stimulates nutrient recycling and allows dormant seeds to germinate. A variety of plants thrive on nutrients that are present in a burned area. These plants, in turn, provide food for wildlife.

The fire management staff continues to work closely with the Kaibab National Forest staff, since the fire is near the boarder.

Two Fire Use Modules, consisting of four personnel each, along with fire overhead team members from the Grand Canyon National Park continue to monitor the fire for smoke impacts and fire behavior. Precautions are being taken to protect combustible cultural resources in the area.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon remains open to the public, however, the temporary closure of the North Bass, Powell Plateau Trails, and Swamp Ridge Road continues to be in effect to ensure public safety in these outlying areas.

Wayne Cook's Fire Use Management Team will be arriving sometime today to transition with the Grand Canyon National Monument management team. The transition should take either place late this afternoon or early tomorrow morning.

For more information about these closures, please contact the Park's Backcountry Information Center at (928) 638-7875 or for general park information, please call (928) 638-7888.