Fire Management

a firefighter watches a low intensity forest fire
A firefighter monitors a burn on the south rim of the Grand Canyon

NPS Photo / J. Pennington

Fire has been a part of the Colorado Plateau ecosystem for thousands of years. Its presence is important for wildlife habitat, nutrient recycling, plant diversity, and overall landscape health. Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park seek to strike a balance between maintaining the land and protecting human life and property.

During the past century, fire was feared and aggressively suppressed. Over time, that led to a significant and unnatural buildup of live and dead trees, pine needles, shrubs, and grasses. Not only does this buildup create risks for developments near wildland areas, but it also poses a threat to the health of the forests.

Fire naturally thins the forest, recycles nutrients into the soil, and stimulates new plant growth. Fire ecology research has shown that many plant and animal species benefit from the restorative effects of fire.

Fire managers use monitoring data and the latest fire ecology research to guide their efforts to restore the natural fire regimes at Grand Canyon National Park. Fire managers work with wildlife biologists, vegetation ecologists, historic preservation specialists, and interagency cooperators to achieve common goals of enhanced habitat and improved ecosystem functions.


 
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Fire can be utilized to shape the landscape and achieve large-scale resource goals. Conversely, wildland fire can also adversely impact our resources, both natural and cultural. The Grand Canyon Fire Management Program views the wise use of fire as an important tool in the effort to reduce the impacts and restore balance to our ecosystems.

 

Last updated: July 12, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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