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Contact: Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, 928-638-7958
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Firefighters had another good day on the Galahad Fire holding it west of the W-4 Road and continuing to strengthen and improve existing containment lines. The fire is estimated at 2,950 acres and 30% contained. The containment figure of 30% is based on the portion of the fire that firefighters have been actively controlling, which is mainly along the W-4 Road and historic Kanabownits Cabin Holding the fire to the west of the W-4 Road has been the main focus of fire managers from the beginning of the incident. The remaining portion of the fire on the Walla Valley Peninsula is being naturally contained by the canyon rim and old burn scars where there is little fuel left to burn. Fire managers feel confident that the fire in this area will gradually burn itself out, however it will be monitored daily from the ground and air to ensure there is no threat of it crossing the W-4 Road. If a threat to the road is identified, pre-determined holding actions will be implemented, such as burning out or helicopter water drops. Existing containment lines on the W-4 Road continued to be improved by firefighters north and south of the cabin. Firefighters also mopped up along the west side of the W-4 Road where burnout operations were conducted a few days ago. The most active portion of the fire is burning in the southwest portion of the fire perimeter where it does not pose any direct threats to existing containment lines. Fire behavior continues to be light to moderate with flame lengths of up to two feet. 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. 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- |
Last updated: February 24, 2015