The Poplar Complex Continues to Grow on the Park's North Rim

Grand Canyon, AZ - The Poplar Complex, consisting of the Poplar, Big, and Corral Fires, is being managed under a Wildland Fire Use strategy on the park's North Rim. This strategy allows some lightning-caused fires to burn, under specific conditions and within a predetermined area, for resource benefits. Suppression actions are taken on these fires if their behavior contradicts resource management objectives.

The Poplar Fire grew in size from 100 to 400 acres yesterday. As of this morning, it was 540 acres. It is approximately two miles from the park's north boundary, burning in mixed conifer and heavy fuels. The Poplar Fire immediately threatens no values; however, actions to slow the fire's northeast progression will be taken today in an effort to keep it within the park's boundary. The Big Fire, located just west of the W-4 Road, is approximately 105 acres in size.

Resources committed to the Poplar Complex include one Hotshot Crew, one Fire Use module, two engines and one water tender. Two helicopters and two air tankers have been ordered and are expected to arrive today. A Fire Use Management Team has also been ordered to help monitor and manage progression of the Poplar Complex.

All fires at Grand Canyon National Park are managed with fire fighter and public safety as the first priority. To ensure public safety, the W-4 Road, located west of Highway 67, remains closed from the Swamp Ridge Road intersection to the Point Sublime Road intersection. The Swamp Ridge Road remains open at this time. The W-4 Road will be reopened once fire behavior has moderated and the area is considered safe for reentry.

Fire Name	Status	Approximate Location	Start Date	Size
Big Fire	active	Big Springs area	08/23/03	105 acres
Poplar Fire	active	Big Springs area	09/04/03	540 acres
Corral Fire	active	NE of North Kaibab Trailhead	08/15/03	less than 1 acre

For additional information, please call Grand Canyon National Park's Fire Information at 928-638-7819.