Update On Long Jim Prescribed Fire

May 5, 2004, 9:00 pm - The Long Jim Prescribed Fire was initiated at 6:00 am this morning as prescription elements were in place. At approximately 11:00 am, while ignition was nearing completion, fuel moisture levels dropped and the burn went out of prescription.

By noon, spot fires had developed north of the prescribed fire's northern boundary. Suppression actions were taken immediately. A precautionary evacuation was initiated in the northeastern section of Grand Canyon Village. The South Entrance Station and a portion of Desert View Drive were closed, allowing only residents into the park. Winds subsided, fire behavior moderated, and the precautionary evacuation was downgraded to an advisory evacuation fifteen minutes later, due to successful suppression efforts. The South Entrance Station also opened shortly thereafter. By late afternoon, all closures were lifted.

An estimated 285 acres burned outside of the prescription area. Fire Managers, however, believe that significant resource benefits were derived from the prescribed portion of the Long Jim Fire. In addition, the burned area will provide a great measure of future protection from wildland fires for Grand Canyon Village. No structures were immediately threatened or lost.

A number of cooperating agencies provided assistance for the Long Jim Prescribed Fire, including the U. S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Tusayan Fire Department, and a number of private contractors. These agencies successfully suppressed the escaped fire.

For updated information, please call the park's fire information line at 928-638-7819, or visit the park's web site at www.nps.gov/grca.