Poplar Fire And Rose Fire Show Little Activity

Grand Canyon, AZ - Lower temperatures and higher humidities kept the Poplar Fire on the North Rim from making any significant growth. Firefighters conducted another successful burnout on the east side of the W-4 Road and the north side of the W-1 Road. The perimeter of the Poplar Fire is 11,265 acres. 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, check roads for snags, 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. The Rose Fire is 3,482 acres.

On Wednesday afternoon smoke and haze began to infiltrate the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While the Poplar Fire is still active, smoke 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 and smoky days may be experienced in the Canyon again. If you would like a view of the California fires from a satellite view, you may see it by pulling up the park's web site at www.nps.gov/grca.

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	11,265 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/)