Poplar Fire Grows Little, Smoke And Haze Due To California Fires

Grand Canyon, AZ - The Poplar Fire on the North Rim is still active, however, even with strong winds firefighters saw little growth in the fire's perimeter. The most active portion of the fire, on the northwest corner, burned through heavy fuels but moved very slowly. Firefighters also conducted a successful burnout near the North Rim Entrance Station on the east side of the fire to establish a safety zone for firefighters. New acreage for the Poplar Fire is 11,105. Firefighters continue proactive measures for structures in the area, which include engines staged for protection, protective wrapping if necessary, and debris clearing. Today crews will continue to patrol for any hot spots, mop-up, and monitor the northeast portion of the fire.

The Rose Fire is showing very little activity 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 continue to monitor the fire. New mapping has established the Rose Fire to be 3,482 acres.

Wednesday afternoon smoke and haze began to infiltrate the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While the Poplar Fire is still active, a major smoke plume from the California fires has drifted over not only the Grand Canyon, but also the entire region. This is due to weather patterns that have established over the area during the past few days. If you would like a view of this fire plume and its activity from a satellite view, you may see it by pulling up the park's web site at www.nps.gov/grca.

People who are sensitive to smoke should limit their outdoor activities. This includes active children, older adults, and people with preexisting respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease).

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	11,105 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/)