Kaibab NF South Zone Rx Fire

Image options: [ Full Size ]

Fire managers on the south zone of the Kaibab National Forest will continue operations on multiple prescribed fire projects on both the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts over the next several days and into next week as conditions remain optimal for beneficial burn treatments. When firing ignitions occur, they are done in the morning and discontinue in the early afternoon to allow time for good ventilation and to minimize smoke impacts to the adjacent communities.

The Sunflower Prescribed Fire project, south of Williams, will resume starting Tuesday, June 18 and continue for the next 2-4 days. A helicopter will be used for aerial ignitions along with ground ignitions for this upcoming 2,803 unit. Expect a large smoke column to be seen from Williams, Parks, Sherwood Forest, Garland Prairie, Whitehorse Lake and I-40. Visitors are asked to avoid camping near the areas surrounding this burn and follow directions that are posted in the vicinity of the project area. Expect moderate smoke in the Whitehorse Lake campground Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

The Russell Prescribed Fire project located approximately 13 miles southeast of Tusayan will also be considered for treatments with possible implementation beginning on Thursday, June 20th. The identified area is 2,100 acres and will be completed utilizing ground ignitions. This operation is expected to last for approximately 10-12 days, this may or may not occur concurrently. A column of smoke will be visible from East Rim Drive, Cameron and HWY 180 as you approach the Grand Canyon N.P. from the east.

The Reed Prescribed Fire project near Tusayan, approximately 1,403 acres have been completed to date. Planned ignitions went well and have been completed at this time. Fire crews will continue to monitor the area until deemed unnecessary. For this prescribed fire, no immediate planned burning will take place this week, however, the prescribed burning operation may resume sometime later in the coming weeks. Hikers traveling on the Arizona Trail #101 near the town of Tusayan and the Grand Canyon, are currently asked to be aware of possible fire weakened trees along the trail from the Reed Prescribed Fire. A few miles in from the trailhead at the Grandview Lookout Tower, hikers will see some of the burn area with some possible smoldering smoke on the ground and in downed trees and stumps. The trail is safe, but to exercise awareness and safety in this specific area.