Swamp Ridge And Forest Service 268 Road System May Temporarily Close

Grand Canyon, AZ - Fire managers continue to manage the Marble Fire Complex, consisting of the Marble and Saffron Fires, under Grand Canyon National Park's Wildland Fire Use strategy. This option allows some lightning-caused fires to burn under specific conditions and within a predetermined area for resource benefit.

The Marble Fire has not been very active although logs and other large fuels continue to smolder. The fire is located approximately two miles northwest of the North Rim developed area and remains 25 acres in size.

The Saffron Fire, near Rainbow Plateau, 15 miles northwest of the North Rim developed area, is still south of the Swamp Ridge Road and now 107 acres in size. Firefighters are planning to create a black line along the fires northern boundary as soon as conditions are drier. This tactic is used to slow or stop progression of the main fire by starving it of fuel as it approaches the boundary, making the boundary more secure. When this occurs, smoke will be highly visible.

At this time, no fire related closures are in effect. To ensure public safety, the Swamp Ridge Road, along with the Forest Service 268 Road system, may temporarily close while fire fighters conduct the burn along the Saffron fire's northern boundary.

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