Grand Canyon

Recent wet weather has created potentially hazardous driving conditions on many Kaibab National Forest roads, and motorists are urged to plan ahead and exercise caution when visiting.

While Kaibab National Forest roads remain open, motorists should be aware that they could encounter a range of conditions and should prepare accordingly. On the Williams and Tusayan districts of the forest south of the Grand Canyon, rain received yesterday on top of already melting snow from last week's storm has caused roads to become slushy, icy, and, in some cases, temporarily impassable.

Kaibab National Forest fire managers will be continuing treatments on the Russell Prescribed Fire Project located on the Tusayan Ranger District approximately 18 miles southeast of the town of Tusayan beginning Tuesday. A 700 acre unit will be the first of several blocks to be ignited within the 2130 acre project area in the days ahead providing forest and weather conditions remain favorable to meet land management objectives.

The Ikes Fire moved into the northeast portion of the planning area that has a history of little to no fire activity in over two decades. This wildfire is consuming heavy fuel accumulations on the forest floor and is helping ensure the ecosystem will be healthier and more resilient in the future.

The Ikes Fire continues to grow despite the minimal amount of moisture received from recent storms. The fire is approximately 58 acres. 

Over the past two decades, there has been minimal to no fire activity in the northeast section of the current planning area. The lack of fire activity has lead to build up of vegetation which creates a higher fuel load for future fires moving through the area. Yesterday the fire moved into this area and fire managers anticipate fire activity will increase depending on the amount of precipitation = received.

Recent monsoonal activity in the region resulted in several new lightning ignited fires on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park over the past several days. Fire crews are actively working to suppress three fires within Grand Canyon National Park.

The Lindbergh Fire near Lindbergh Hill is being directly suppressed. Approximately 2 acres in size, current fire behavior is creeping and smoldering within mixed conifer. Fire crews are working to contain the fire at the smallest possible size by digging handline around the fire's perimeter.

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers will initiate a prescribed fire treatment today, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. The Long Jim Prescribed Fire is adjacent to the developed area on the South Rim, east of South Entrance Road and south of Highway 64 (Desert View Drive) East. 

Visitors to GC-Parashant National Monument should expect to encounter wildland firefighters conducting prescribed fires June 1 to June 30. Parashant is located on the Arizona Strip just west of Toroweap in Grand Canyon National Park to the Nevada state line. The burns will take place in a remote part of the monument a few miles southeast of Mt. Dellenbaugh along the NPS1203 Kelly Point road. Specific dates cannot be provided; controlled fires are dependent on forecasted weather conditions and the national wildland fire season preparedness levels.