NEWS RELEASE

September 5, 2004
Rick Hartigan 928-638-7944 - for media use; 928-638-7819 - for public use

Grand Canyon National Park Plans Prescribed Fire

Grand Canyon, AZ - Fire Management personnel of the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park plan to initiate the previously postponed 3200 acre Walhalla Prescribed Fire. Ignition will start as early as Tuesday, September 7, 2004 on the Wahalla Plateau, four miles east of the developed area on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, east of the Bright Angel Canyon.

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. All prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. Intended to return the forest to a more natural condition, the Walhalla Prescribed Fire will remove the excess small trees and other natural fuels which accumulated over time.

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 three 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 are optimum for the safe achievement of the planned objectives.

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.