Wildland Fire Use and Prescribed Fire Activity Will Continue on Grand Canyon's North Rim

Grand Canyon, AZ - A drying trend over the next few days is expected to increase fire activity on the park's North Rim where thirteen Wildland Fire Use fires are currently being managed. The Marble Complex, n orthwest of the North Rim developed area, consists of the Marble, Saffron, Dutton, Bravo, Galahad, Rainbow, Quartz, Uncle and Vic fires. The Jim Complex, east of the North Rim developed area, consists of the Jim, Bright and Roosevelt fires. Only the Quartz and Bright fires are active at this time. These fires are being managed under the park's Wildland Fire Use strategy, which allows some lightning caused fires to burn under specific conditions and within a predetermined area for resource benefit.

Warmer, drier conditions may also create a good window of opportunity for fire managers to ignite the Outlet prescribed fire as early as this weekend. Prescribed fires are based on approved burn plans that take into account a variety of environmental factors and emphasize the safety of area residents, park visitors, and fire fighters. A combination of hand and aerial ignition would be used to light the 1,100-acre Outlet prescribed fire located just west of the North Rim developed area. This ignition could produce a large amount of smoke. Every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts however, some impacts may occur in adjacent communities or along the Colorado River.

The park remains open and all visitor services are operational. No fire related closures or restrictions are in effect. For additional information, please call 928-638-7819 or visit Grand Canyon's web site at http://www.nps.gov/grca.