News Release

Thumb Fire Grows to 3,800 Acres

The Thumb Fire as seen from Yavapai Point on the South Rim on Friday, July 17. Comet NEOWISE on the right. NPS/M.Quinn

News Release Date: July 19, 2020

Contact: Rachel Grabenstein, 928-638-7895

The Thumb Fire, which started on July 16th, is approximately 3,800 acres. Growth is primarily in the southern and eastern portion of the fire perimeter. Fire behavior was moderate with increased activity in isolated pockets of fuels.

Located along the western edge of the Great Thumb Mesa, the Thumb Fire is burning in pinon-juniper and brush. Fire managers are actively working to suppress and monitor the Thumb Fire while providing for point protection of identified sensitive natural and cultural resources. 

Fire crews have contained the 1 acre Tipover Fire, detected on July 16th, on the North Rim of the park. 

Smoke from the Thumb Fire is visible from both the North and South Rims of the park. At this time there are no closures within the park. Grand Canyon National Park is providing interagency support to the Truxton Canon Agency and the Havasupai Tribe. 

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. To learn more about current fires in the region and across the country, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov.