Fire Information and Management

Wildland firefighters monitor a prescribed fire on the South Rim Grapevine treatment area on May 10, 2023.

NPS Photo

 

---Fire Updates / Advisories / Restrictions / Closures

 

The Fire Danger at Grand Canyon National Park is:

 

South Rim: Low

 

North Rim: Low

 

Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can now have fires in designated campfire rings, as shown here at Mather Campground on the South Rim. (NPS Photo)

Grand Canyon is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Year-Round

Grand Canyon National Park remains in stage 1 fire restrictions year-round which requires that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below therim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires alongthe Colorado River.

Taking the following precautions can make all the difference:

• Before going hiking or camping, check for fire restrictions and closures in the area. If you are using a portable stove, clear the area of grasses and other fine fuels and be careful to prevent the stove from tipping over.
• Consider alternatives to campfires even if they are allowed. During times of high fire danger unattended campfires are likely to escape.
• If you are a smoker, consider smoking only on paved surfaces or in an enclosed vehicle; and never toss cigarette butts on the ground. Use an ashtray or pack cigarette butts out in your pocket.
• If you are driving on unpaved roads, be careful of parking or driving your vehicle in tall, dry vegetation. Hot vehicle parts may start a fire.
• If you see smoke or fire, note the location and report it to authorities. Do NOT attempt to put out a fire by yourself.

 

During an active fire, additional information will be available here:

 

Grand Canyon National Park News Releases

Also check:
Grand Canyon National Park's Twitter Feed:
https://twitter.com/GrandCanyonNPS

 

InciWeb Website:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

InciWeb Twitter Site:

https://twitter.com/inciweb (#AZGCP)

 

Fire Information from our neighboring National Forests:

• Kaibab National Forest's website
  https://twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Coconino National Forest's website
  https://twitter.com/CoconinoNF

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For more fire information in and around Grand Canyon National Park, visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network, the official site for alerts and bulletins on emergencies and disasters in Arizona, including public health and safety advisories, homeland security alerts and disaster relief bulletins.

Also, Arizona Fire News

 

Prescribed fire on the North Rim of the park.

Fire Management at Grand Canyon National Park

Fire has the potential to change park landscapes more often than volcanoes, earthquakes or even floods. Such forces of change are completely natural and often necessary. Plants and animals have evolved with, and many depend on, the role fire plays in creating and maintaining a diversity of habitats.

Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park follow a comprehensive fire plan that allows the restoration of fire regimes through a full range of management tools. Natural fire, prescribed fire, hazard fuel reduction, and fire effects monitoring help restore natural processes while providing for firefighter and public safety.

Grand Canyon National Park has one of the most active fire management programs in the National Park Service. Select a topic below to learn more.

 

Fire Ecology and Education
Learn about the history and importance of fire in shaping the plant communities above the Rims of Grand Canyon.

 

Community Wildfire Prevention & Safety
Is your home and property firesafe?
Here is information on how to reduce the risk of fire loss and damage.

 

Helicopter Training Academy
Work on your taskbooks at the Grand Canyon! We offer two-week sessions to federal and non-federal employees interested in completing their HECM, HELB, and HELM certifications.

 

Fire Management Planning
Check here for planning documents that guide our fire management operations.

 

Related Information

View photos of Grand Canyon's Fire and Aviation program.

To view National Park Service wildland fire photos, click here

Wildland Fire QUICKLINKS:

Arizona Wildfire Frequently Asked Questions

Arizona Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality Resources

National Fire Information

Inciweb

National Large Fires Maps

NPS Fire & Aviation Management - Twitter - Facebook

Fire In-Depth

Grand Canyon, Arizona Weather Forecast (NOAA)

 

Duration:

5 minutes, 18 seconds

In 2019, a fire was accidentally started in Cottonwood Creek Canyon. A backpacker ignited some toilet paper in order to dispose of it and avoid packing it out, unfortunately, this small flame started a 64-acre-fire, which burned several large, old-growth cottonwood trees. Every year wildfires damage public lands and about 85% of them are caused by humans. We ask visitors to practice Leave No Trace, and never have fires outside of designated fire rings. Small actions can have huge consequences.

 

• 

  Living With Fire in the Grand Canyon

  Fire can be utilized to shape the landscape and achieve large-scale resource goals. Conversely, wildland fire can also adversely impact our resources, both natural and cultural. The Grand Canyon Fire Management Program views the wise use of fire as an important tool in the effort to reduce the impacts and restore balance to our ecosystems.

  Duration:

  4 minutes, 9 seconds