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Contact: Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, 928-638-7958
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Firefighters made good progress today in strengthening and holding the established containment lines on the Galahad Fire. Once again hot, dry and windy weather challenged firefighters but they were able to keep the fire to the west of the W-4 Road, which is the major focus of fire managers. These same weather conditions are forecasted for the rest of the week. The fire is estimated at 2,702 acres and 5% contained. This containment is based on the portion of the fire in which firefighters are continuing to control. Today, no additional spots were detected east of the W-4 Road. Containment lines on the W-4 Road continued to be improved by firefighters north and south of Kanabownits Cabin. Firefighters also mopped up along the west side of the W-4 Road where burnout operations were conducted a few days ago. Helicopters were used to assist firefighters in detecting possible spot fires east of the W-4 Road and for water drops in areas below the canyon rim to reduce fire activity. Fire managers continue to manage the fire to achieve resource benefits including improved wildlife habitat and forest health. The most active portion of the fire is burning in the central portion of the Walla Valley Peninsula near the canyon rim in very steep, rugged terrain and does not pose any direct threats. It is also too dangerous to put firefighters into these areas. Aerial resources may be used in these areas if needed. Wind patterns will likely continue to carry smoke to the northeast towards Marble Canyon and Page, Arizona. The smoke may also settle into some of the valleys and lower areas in the morning hours in Grand Canyon National Park and the neighboring Kaibab National Forest, but is expected to lift during the day as temperatures rise. Two road closures are in effect for public and firefighter safety; the W-4 Road is closed from the junction of the FS268B road south to Point Sublime and the W-1 Road, also known as the Point Sublime Road, is closed from the W-4 junction, east to the western end of the basin. The lightning-caused Galahad Fire was discovered on Friday, May 23, 2014 on the Walla Valley Peninsula, west of the main park road. You can follow the progress of this fire as well as view maps and pictures on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov. For additional fire information, please call 928-638-7819 (recorded message) or follow @GrandCanyonNPS on Twitter. -NPS-
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Last updated: February 24, 2015