Recent Rains Have Curtailed Fire Activities At Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, AZ - Recent rains have curtailed both natural and prescribed fire activities on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. All fire related trail and road closures that were in effect have been lifted. Fire fighters continue to monitor and patrol the Outlet and Walhalla prescribed fires, as well as the lightning-caused Bright and Quartz fires, which have been burning since July. Although none of the fires are active at this time, there is a potential for smoke to become visible again as forest fuels dry out.

Up to three additional prescribed fires will be ignited this fall if weather conditions become favorable. Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire dependant ecosystems.

Two of the planned ignitions are located on the park's North Rim. The 1500-acre Atoko prescribed fire area is several miles east of the developed area. The 1200-acre Northwest III prescribed fire area is approximately ten miles northwest of the North Rim developed area. The Topeka prescribed fire would consist of 1600-acres on the South Rim, immediately south of the developed area.

Every effort is made to minimize smoke impacts; however, it is impossible to predict weather patterns and smoke behavior with complete accuracy. Smoke impacts may occur in adjacent communities or in the inner canyon, particularly at night and in the early morning hours.

For additional fire information, please call 928-638-7819. You may also visit Grand Canyon's web site at http://www.nps.gov/grca.