News Release

Kaibab National Forest Institutes Temporary Area Closure for the Ikes Fire

Closed Roads and Trails - Ikes Fire 08/08/2019

News Release Date: August 8, 2019

Contact: Ikes Fire Information, [phone]

Grand Canyon, AZ - The Kaibab National Forest instituted a Temporary Area Closure for all National Forests System lands and roads within the Ikes Fire Planning Area. This Order will be in effect beginning at 8:00 AM on August 8, 2019, and shall remain in effect until September 27, 2019, or until rescinded, whichever comes first.

The Grand Canyon National Park Closure Order remains in place. The following areas are closed on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon:

Powell Plateau Trail; North Bass Trail; Fire Point; Swamp Point; W4 road starting at the intersection of W4 and W1, heading north.

The purpose of the closure orders are to provide for the safety of the public and for firefighters conducting operations in the restricted area. The Official Closure Orders for the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park can be viewed at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.

Despite monsoonal rains over the fire area, the fire has increased to 79 acres. The precipitation received has caused a decrease in fire activity for fine fuels, such as grass or dead needles on the forest floor. Heavy fuels, such as logs, continue to see mild to moderate fire activity.

The Ikes Fire and surrounding area is forecasted to receive monsoonal moisture with chances of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. A low pressure system off the coast should bring warmer, drier air to the area starting Friday. This warming trend may cause an increase in fire activity.

Fire crews are working to improve control lines along the W4 and 223 roads. Approximately 50 personnel are assigned to the Ikes Fire. As objectives are met over the next few days, the number 
of needed resources will be right sized, with extra resources being released and made available to assist on other wildfires. Crews will continue to monitor the fire to ensure it remains within the planning area.

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/