NEWS RELEASE

September 23, 2004
Craig Letz 928-638-7821 - for media use; 928-638-7819 - for public use

Grand Canyon National Park Plans Prescribed Fire on North Rim

Grand Canyon, AZ - Fire Management personnel at Grand Canyon National Park plan to initiate the 1500-acre Atoko Prescribed Fire. Ignition will start as early as Sunday, September 26, 2004 on the Walhalla Plateau, five miles east of the developed area on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Smoke may be visible in the area for five to ten days. Thorough planning can minimize smoke impacts; however, it is impossible to predict weather patterns and smoke behavior with complete accuracy. Smoke impacts may occur in adjacent communities and also along the river. No road or trail closures are anticipated, however short-term closures, to ensure firefighter and public safety, may be implemented during these fire activities. Ignition may occur for two days. A combination of aerial and ground ignition will be used. The burn will only be initiated if environmental factors such as wind, temperature, relative humidity, and fuel moisture levels are favorable for the safe achievement of the planned objectives.

Fire is an essential part of Grand Canyon's ecosystems and prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for promoting ecosystem health and reducing forest fuels. Through this prescribed fire, fire managers hope to remove the excess small trees and other natural fuels, which accumulated over time.

You can learn more about Grand Canyon's Fire Management Program at http://www.nps.gov/grca/fire. For additional information, please call 928-638-7819.