Fire Managers to Initiate Pile Burning on South Rim of Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, AZ. – Fire managers plan to burn piles of woody debris on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park over the course of the next week. The piles of debris consist of small trees, branches, twigs and needles removed during the preparation of prescribed fire control lines. The piles are located along the east side of Highway 64 approximately three miles north of Tusayan and 1.25 miles south of Grand Canyon Village.

Fire managers plan to take advantage of recent precipitation and moist ground conditions to minimize the chance of fire spread and potential spotting from the debris piles. Visitors to the park may see smoldering piles as well as some smoke and fire management activities along Highway 64.

While limited smoke impacts are expected, coordination with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is underway. Signs will be posted advising visitors and motorists of possible smoke impacts.

For more information, please call Art Gonzales in the Fire Management Office at 928-638-7947.