Wind Shift May Give South Rim A Break From Smoke

Grand Canyon, AZ - Wednesday afternoon smoke began to lift from the Canyon, as winds shift to the southwest in advance of a cold front that is predicted to arrive over the next few days. The wind shift will help push new smoke away from the Canyon, and assist Canyon ventilation. Hopefully, this clearing will last until Friday. The colder temperatures will also play a part in slowing the fires' growth, and will be a factor in improving air quality at the Grand Canyon.

Today, fire fighters experienced more active fire behavior on the Poplar fire as the front began to move in. Because there is a great deal of fuel in the area, combined with the current dry weather, the fire has continued to be active. Crews, however, are working hard to make sure that the fire stays within National Park boundaries. The Poplar Fire is now 11,020 acres in size.

The Rose Fire continues to be managed under a Wildland Fire Use strategy, which allows some lightning caused fires to burn, under specific conditions and within a predetermined area, for resource benefit. The Rose fire also experienced increased fire behavior due to the current weather conditions. The Rose Fire is 3,694 acres.

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	11,020 acres
Rose Fire	active	south of Swamp Ridge Rd	10/07/03	3,694 acres

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