U.S. Wildland Fire Service responding to a lightning ignited wildfire below North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. The wildfire is being called the Cliff Spring Fire and is currently estimated at 171 acres. The wildfire is zero percent contained and is burning in grass, brush, pinyon pine, and juniper.
Park officials have not currently closed any trails or areas of the park. However the park has temporarily paused issuing permits for trips in the Walhalla Plateau area while fire managers continue to evaluate conditions.
Resources deployed to combat the fire include one U.S. Wildland Fire Service engine, one cooperating engine, and a USWFS helicopter. Firefighters are currently battling the blaze with helicopter bucket drops because it is burning in inaccessibly steep terrain. Crews cannot work directly at the fire’s edge and are instead working from safer locations to limit fire spread while reducing unnecessary risk to personnel.
Grand Canyon visitors may see smoke in the area as firefighters continue suppression efforts. Fire activity, weather and operational needs can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for changing conditions. The National Park Service and the USWFS will continue to track conditions and provide updates as information becomes available.
