News Release

Obi Fire Grows to 7,420 Acres; Grand Canyon National Park Implements Temporary Road and Trail Closures on the North Rim

8.7.18 Firefighters hose down a snag. NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 7, 2018

Contact: Rachel Grabenstein, 928-638-7071

Contact: Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, AZ -  The Obi Fire is estimated at 7,420 acres. For additional daily updates and photos, visit the Obi Fire Inciweb incident page, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6030/ 

Growth today was primarily in the northern and eastern portions of the fire perimeter. Light southwesterly winds combined with dry, unstable air contributed to the fires growth. Fire behavior was active with isolated tree torching and surface fire of two to four foot flames where the fire was consuming dead logs. The fire continues to grow through pine needles and downed logs.

Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily closed Cape Royal Road. Included in this closure are Cape Final Trail, Cliff Spring Trail, the northern section of the Ken Patrick Trail from Point Imperial to Cape Royal Road, and the southern section of the Ken Patrick Trail from Cape Royal Road to the old Bright Angel Trail. 

These closures are for public and firefighter safety as crews continue to prep the Walhalla Plateau. The temporary closure is in effect until further notice. The road to Point Imperial and all other North Rim trails and facilities are open at this time."With the recent closure of the Cape Royal road to protect public and firefighter safety, the Obi Fire command staff would like to thank  the public and North Rim staff for their continued support as firefighting efforts continue," said Incident Commander trainee Bryan Hakanson. 

Smoke from the Obi Fire is visible from both the North and South Rims of the park. There is also visible smoke being produced by fires on the Kaibab National Forest. Visitors may see increased smoke or haze filling the canyon. For more information about air quality at Grand Canyon National Park visit, https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=31 .

Located on the Wahalla Plateau, the Obi Fire started on July 21st. Fire managers plan to continue the strategy of confining and containing the lightning caused fire in a predetermined area while providing for point protection of identified sensitive natural and cultural resources. Resources assigned to the fire include one Type 2IA handcrew, four engines, one helicopter, helitack, and a fire ecologist.

Each fire start is evaluated by fire management officials for the most appropriate management strategy. Firefighter safety, resources at risk, location of the fire, available resources, regional and national preparedness levels, and weather forecast are taken into consideration when responding to a wildfire ignition. 

Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for other information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/kaibab/news-events or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call [phone] for recorded fire information.

-NPS-