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Contact: Punky Moore, 928-635-5653 Contact: Maureen Oltrogge, 928-638-7779
TUSAYAN, Ariz. -- The Ruby Complex is currently 3,456 acres. The Complex includes the Game Reserve Fire on the Grand Canyon National Park and the Ruby Fire on the Kaibab National Forest. As expected, the fires have grown together. One organization is managing the complex in a cooperative effort between the Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest. Tuesday, personnel conducted management ignitions along Forest Road 303 and around Halfway Tank on the northwest corner of the complex. These actions will reduce the risk of future rapid fire spread. However, fire is expected to burn within the identified management area for some time until monsoon precipitation extinguishes fire activity. Smoke will remain visible as interior vegetation continues to burn. Personnel will continue to patrol and monitor fire progression. One injury was reported on the complex Tuesday. The injured person was transported to the hospital and treated. "The fires are now one and recent operations have reduced the risk on the fire, so resources are being released," said Holly Kleindienst, Incident Commander Trainee for the Complex. "The Ruby Complex has been a great opportunity for both agencies to work together under one organization to meet protection and resource objectives." The objectives that were met include protection of wildlife water tanks, the Arizona Trail, the power line along Hwy 64 and several historic and cultural resources. In addition, management objectives were achieved to diminish the future risk of large destructive wildfires. Burning through the forest understory and accumulations of forest debris the role of fire is being reestablished to reduce hazardous forest fuels and promote forest health. A mosaic of burned and unburned areas helps provide valuable wildlife habitat. The forecast calls for cloudy conditions with a chance of moisture to persist. This will result in decreased fire activity. A four-mile stretch of the Arizona Trail from Watson Tank to Grandview trailhead remains closed until further notice. Signs are posted to advise trail users of a detour along the southern edge of the fire perimeter. This will be the last update on the complex unless significant changes in size, activity, or fire management objectives occur. For more information, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer 928-635-5653 or visit Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1696. ## |
Last updated: February 24, 2015