Nearly 1000 Acres Successfully Treated with Prescribed Fire on Grand Canyon South Rim

On June 9, 2016, National Park Service (NPS) fire managers successfully treated 994 acres with prescribed (Rx) fire on the South Rim of Grand Canyon. The Shoshone Rx burn unit, between Yaki and Duck on a Rock points, consisted primarily of ponderosa pine,
pinyon pine, and juniper.

Our ability to treat the Shoshone Unit at a time of year when fires naturally occur enhances the resilience of the ecosystem and the protection of the residents, visitors, and infrastructure of Grand Canyon National Park. South District Fire Management Officer Daniel Pearson

Successful Prescribed Burn

Prescribed fires play an important role in decreasing risks to life, resources, and property.

NPS

Through collaboration with Zion National Park, fire personnel ignited, monitored, and held the 994-acre prescribed burn unit, and minimized smoke impacts to Highway 64 and Grand Canyon Village. The park helicopter, 3 engines, and 28 personnel supported the fire. Smoke was clearly visible from Mather Point, the most popular viewpoint at Grand Canyon. There, at Yaki Point, and along Highway 64, personnel provided fire information and education to several hundred visitors. “We were very excited to be able to implement this project as an in-season prescribed fire with the assistance of our interagency neighbors. Our ability to treat the Shoshone Unit at a time of year when fires naturally occur enhances the resilience of the ecosystem and the protection of the residents, visitors, and infrastructure of Grand Canyon National Park,” said South District Fire Management Officer Daniel Pearson.

Benefits of Prescribed Fire

Fire has been a part of the Colorado Plateau ecosystem at Grand Canyon National Park for thousands of years. Its presence is important for wildlife habitat, nutrient recycling, plant diversity, and overall landscape health.

NPS

Prescribed fires play on important role in decreasing risks to life, resources, and property by reducing accumulations of forest fuels and maintaining the natural role of fire in a fire-adapted ecosystem. This was the second successful prescribed fire on the South Rim this spring. On May 19th, the Village Rx treated about 40 acres of ponderosa pine near Grand Canyon Village.

For updates on fire activity at Grand Canyon National Park, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov.