News Release
NPS Photo by Jason Nez
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Contact: NPS Contact: Brandalyn Vonk, 602-730-6144
Contact: USFS Contact: Jacqueline Banks, 928-635-8314
Contact: Ikes Fire Public Information Office, 928-638-7071
Grand Canyon, AZ - Drier weather conditions have led to additional growth on the Ikes Fire, which is now approximately 205 acres. The lightning-caused wildfire is actively burning within a 7,785-acre planning area. The Ikes Fire is being utilized to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem while providing for point protection of identified sensitive natural and cultural resources. Resource objectives include reducing hazardous fuels, promoting forest regeneration, improving wildlife habitat, and restoring more open forest understory. These objectives will lead to a healthier and more resilient landscape.Yesterday crews began firing operations to secure the northeast corner of the planning area. Firing operations occur to reduce fuels along control lines and keep the fire within the planning area. Firing operations are expected to continue for the next few days as weather conditions allow. Currently fire is burning with low to moderate fire intensity, with occasional flare ups in dense pockets of fuel. Smoke will be visible from both the North and South Rims, especially as fire behavior increases during the peak burning period from midday to late afternoon.
Weather is mostly sunny with no precipitation forecasted for the next few days. Southwest-west winds may move smoke east towards State Highway 67 near the North Rim Entrance Station and De Motte Campground. Smoke may also be seen in this area from the Castle Fire, which is located 11 miles north of the Ikes Fire.
Approximately 59 personnel are currently assigned to the Ikes Fire, including a Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, three engines, a task force leader, resource advisor, and fire effects monitors. Additional resources will be requested as needed in order to meet management objectives.
Closures remain in effect for the planning area of the Ikes Fire for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest. More information on these closures can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.
The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.
Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.
For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or
@KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.
Last updated: February 19, 2024