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Grand Canyon National Park Wildfire Being Managed for Ecosystem Health

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Published Date

August 15, 2019
Fire crew monitoring the Ikes Fire/ NPS, Jason Nez

Fire crew monitoring the Ikes Fire/ NPS, Jason Nez

A wildfire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has grown to more than 200 acres, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. While there can be choking smoke associated with the fire, the flames are helping reduce hazardous fuels on the rim and improving wildlife habitat, according to park staff.

The Ikes Fire, which was sparked by lightning on July 25, covered 28 acres on August 2. On Wednesday it was measured at about 205 acres. The fire is being allowed to burn within a 7,785-acre planning area to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem while providing for point protection of identified sensitive natural and cultural resources. Resource objectives include reducing hazardous fuels, promoting forest regeneration, improving wildlife habitat, and restoring more open forest understory, the park noted.

Firefighters have been managing the fire to keep it from moving beyond the planning area. Earlier this week they started fires to reduce fuels along control lines and keep the fire within the planning area. The fire has been burning with low to moderate intensity, with occasional flareups in dense pockets of fuel. Smoke will be visible from both the North and South rims, especially as fire behavior increases during the peak burning period from midday to late afternoon. 

Weather is mostly sunny with no precipitation forecasted for the next few days. Southwest-west winds may move smoke east towards State Highway 67 near the North Rim Entrance Station and De Motte Campground. Smoke may also be seen in this area from the Castle Fire, which is located 11 miles north of the Ikes Fire.

Approximately 59 personnel are currently assigned to the Ikes Fire, including a Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, three engines, a task force leader, resource advisor, and fire effects monitors. Additional resources will be requested as needed in order to meet management objectives.

Closures remain in effect for the planning area of the Ikes Fire for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest. The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.

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