• View of Grand Canyon National Park at sunset from the South Rim

    Grand Canyon

    National Park Arizona

Fire Ecology and Education

RX firefighter

Fire has been a part of the Colorado Plateau ecosystem for thousands of years. Its presence is important for wildlife habitat, nutrient recycling, plant diversity, and overall landscape health. Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park seek to strike a balance between restoring and maintaining natural processes associated with fire, and protecting human life and property.

During the past century, fire was feared and suppressed. This led to a significant and unnatural buildup of live and dead trees, pine needles, shrubs, and grasses. Not only does this buildup create risks for developments near wildland areas, it poses a threat to the health of the forests.

Fire naturally thins the forest, recycles nutrients into the soil, and stimulates new plant growth. Fire ecology research has shown that many plant and animal species benefit from the rejuvenating effects of fire.

Fire managers use monitoring data and the latest fire ecology research to guide their efforts to restore the natural fire regimes at Grand Canyon National Park. Fire managers work with wildlife biologists, vegetation ecologists, historic preservation specialists, and interagency cooperators to achieve common goals of enhanced habitat and improved ecosystem functions.

 
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Fire Education QUICKLINKS:
Wildland Fire Glossary
7th Grade Lesson Plan: Fire Ecology on the Rim
NPS Fire Education Portal


 
air quality monitoring instrument

Fire Effects Monitoring - Air Quality
Grand Canyon Visibility - WEBCAM
Air Quality Standards

 
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Fire Ecology Research
Information on obtaining a research permit
Opportunities for research collaboration


Find the latest research articles from our partners at:
Northern Arizona University - School of Forestry
Northern Arizona University - Ecological Restoration Institute

 
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Fire Effects Monitoring - Vegetation & Fuels

2011 Fire Ecology Annual Report (1.02 MB PDF file)
Wildland and Prescribed Fire Monitoring and Research Plan (649 kb pdf file)

 

Did You Know?

SWITCHBACKS ON BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL

Each year, thousands of hikers enter the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. They follow a route established by prehistoric people for two key reasons: water and access. Water emerges from springs at Indian Garden, and a fault creates a break in the cliffs, providing access to the springs.