Halfway Fire Update in Tusayan, Grand Canyon, AZ Area

Date: June 19, 2013
Contact: Holly Krake (USFS), 928-635-5653
Contact: Maureen Oltrogge (NPS), 928-638-7779

Tusayan/Grand Canyon, AZ – The Halfway fire is currently burning north of the Ten X Ranch and 5 miles due east of Tusayan, AZ. The fire, which is burning on National Forest and National Park Service lands, is approximately 125 acres in size (100 acres on National Forest/25 acres on National Park Service). With cooling temperatures this evening flame lengths have decreased to less than one foot in length at the head of the fire as it burns through ponderosa pine and oak brush fuel a type. There are no structures threatened at this time, and because of reduced fire activity, Grandview Point has reopened for public use.  Multiple National Park Service and US Forest Service resources have responded including a helicopter, crews, and engines.
 

Date/Time Reported: Wednesday June 19 approximately 2:55pm
Location: 5 Miles East of Tusayan and North of Ten X Ranch
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 125 Acres
Landscape/Fuels: Grass and Oak Brush
Fire Behavior: Moderate to low tree torching
Road Closures: None at this time

Risk of extreme fire behavior on this fire is minimal due to previous prescribed fire treatments in the Grandview area.

Smoke is visible from the Grand Canyon National Park and surrounding areas. Smoke impacts could increase for areas north and east of Grandview Point as the forecast shows breezy conditions with a south wind 17 to 22 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. All public is asked to use caution when visiting the National Forest and National Park especially when driving visibility is limited including on US Route 64 in the Tusayan and Grandview Point areas.

Visitors are also reminded that Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place on the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts of the Kaibab National Forest. There is also currently a red flag warning which means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will occur shortly.

For additional information, please call Holly Krake (USFS), Fire Information Officer, 928-635-5653 or Maureen Oltrogge (NPS), Public Affairs Officer, 928-638-7779. Page 2 of 2 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.