Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park are set to conduct a series of prescribed burns on the North Rim of the canyon this week, beginning their work tomorrow, Tuesday, December 10.
The burns will help to reduce hazardous fuel loads while improving forest health and restoring natural fire regimes. The burns will continue for several days, beginning on Tuesday, and will coincide with prescribed burns set to be conducted on the North Kaibab Ranger District.
The current schedule has arial ignitions beginning on the Slopes Unit beginning on December 10, affecting around 1,000-1,500 acres. On Wednesday, the operations will move to the Walhalla Plateau to hit the Cape Final Unit with around 950 acres., On Thursday, the additional units around the North Rim Developed Area may also be burned depending on conditions.
Both the North Rim and Highway 67 are closed to visitors, but smoke from the burns may be visible from the South Rim and those in the region should be prepared for smoke. Helicopter activity is likely to be visible and audible throughout the operations.
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“Smoke is expected to settle into low-lying drainages overnight, so those with respiratory sensitivities should take precautions. Fire managers are working with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality- Smoke Management Division to reduce and mitigate potential smoke impacts.” – National Park Service