Multiple Fire Starts on North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – On Friday, May 23, four fire starts were reported on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The North Rim of the park is currently at High fire danger and the South Rim is at Very High. A storm this afternoon produced rain and hail on the North Rim moderating fire behavior.

Two fires are actively being suppressed; the first is located on Uncle Jim Point (east of the developed area) and is approximately 1/3 of an acre. The second fire is located on the Tail of the Dragon.

Park fire managers will continue to monitor two fires; both are currently burning in single trees one in the 2003 Poplar Fire scar area and the second tree is north of Galahad Point.

Park resources being used to suppress and monitor these four fires include an engine crew and helicopter. The park airplane is being used to detect any additional fires.

Several large fires are currently burning in the state of Arizona; and below-average precipitation this winter, warmer weather, and strong winds are increasing fire danger in the region. For additional information about state and regional fires, please visit InciWeb at http://www.inciweb.nwcg.gov for status.

Grand Canyon National Park visitors, staff and community members are encouraged to use extreme caution when engaged in any outdoor activity that has the potential to start a wildfire. Activities that have historically led to human-caused fires include outdoor cooking and warming fires, smoking, and use of chain saws or heavy equipment.

If visitors, residents or community members encounter a wildfire, the location should be reported to local law enforcement or fire managers by dialing 911 or by calling the Williams Dispatch Center at 928-638-2601. Do not attempt to put out a fire by yourself.