NEWS RELEASE

September 9, 2004
Rick Hartigan 928-638-7944 - for media use; 928-638-7819 - for public use

Continued Progress on North Rim Fires

Grand Canyon, AZ - Fire Management personnel of the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park continue preparations for the 3200 acre Walhalla Prescribed Fire. Black-lining operations will begin today to prepare the perimeter of the burn area. Aerial ignition is scheduled to begin Friday, September 10, 2004. This ignition could produce a large amount of smoke. Every effort will be made to minimize the smoke impacts: however, some impacts may occur in adjacent communities or along the Colorado River.

Firefighters continue to monitor three other fires on the North Rim. Started by lightning in the middle of July, the Quartz Fire and the Bright Fire are being managed for the benefit of the forests. Visible from the South Rim, they have had no significant growth in the last few days, burning out to the control lines established by firefighters. The Quartz Fire is currently 350 acres. The Bright Fire is 786 acres.

The Outlet Prescribed Fire, ignited by fire managers on Monday, August 30, 2004 has been completed. Contained at 1118 acres, it now shows only isolated burning of interior islands of fuels. Specialists in fire effects will begin studying the fire shortly.

Prescribed fire allows managers to return fire to its natural function in the environment promoting forest health. Learn more about Grand Canyon's Fire Management Program at http://www.nps.gov/grca/fire. For additional information, please call 928-638-7819.