Burn Out Operation Planned For Northern Edge Of Poplar Fire

Grand Canyon, AZ - Fire managers are planning a burn out operation to secure the Poplar Fire on its northern edge, in an attempt to keep it within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park. This tactic is used to consume unburned fuel from between the main fire and the fire line, to slow the progress of the main fire, thereby preventing it from building momentum and jumping the fire line.

The 8,238-acre Poplar Fire, which became very active in its southeast quadrant yesterday, is being managed under a suppression strategy. The 19-acre Rose Fire continues to be managed under a Wildland Fire Use strategy. This approach allows some lightning-caused fires to burn, under specific conditions and within a predetermined area, for resource benefits.

A Type 3 Incident Management Team has been established to manage both fires. Other resources include representatives from the Craig Hotshots, the Diamond Mountain Hotshots, two engines, one water tender, and numerous park personnel. A total of 40 people are assisting with this effort.

North winds caused smoke impacts yesterday. Unhealthy PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 levels for sensitive groups have occurred again today. Sensitive groups at increased risk to PM 2.5 effects include active children and people who regularly engage in outdoor activities and people with preexisting respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease). This sensitive group should limit their exposure by reducing the duration or intensity of physical exertion or by rescheduling activities until levels have dropped below unhealthy levels. Weather patterns are expected to improve over the weekend and cleaner air is expected. Smoke will continue to be highly visible, particularly when the burnout operations are implemented.

Fire Name	Status	Approximate Location	Start Date	Size
Poplar Fire	active	Big Springs area	09/04/03	8,238 acres
Rose Fire	active	south of Swamp Ridge Rd	10/07/03	19 acres

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