UPDATE June 15, 2012, 7:30 a.m. The Grand Fire experienced no growth yesterday and remains about 480 acres in size. Containment is now at 90 percent. Full containment of the fire is expected early next week; fire managers have begun releasing firefighters back to their home units. Approximately 60 firefighters will continue patrolling for hot spots, assessing and removing hazard trees along roads, and mopping up. Remaining resources will include two crews and four engines.
Officials continue to advise the public to avoid the fire area around Grandview Lookout Tower in order to avoid hazards and ensure the safety of firefighters working on the incident. As a safety precaution, Arizona Trail users need to be prepared to detour off the trail between Forest Road 303 at Watson Tank and the junction of Forest Roads 301 and 310 near Lockett Lake until further notice. All roads and trails in Grand Canyon National Park are open.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
WILLIAMS, Ariz. – Fire crews continue to make progress on the Grand Fire, which is now 481 acres with 70 percent containment. The change in acreage is not from additional growth; it is a result of fire activity and smoke decreasing enough that crews are able to get a more precise assessment of the total acreage.
The fire is located eight miles east of Tusayan, Ariz. and 11 miles southeast of Grand Canyon Village, in the vicinity of the Grandview Lookout Tower and the Arizona Trail. It has burned on both the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park. Fuels include ponderosa pine, grass and some pinyon pine.
Approximately 80 firefighters will continue reinforcing containment lines, patrolling for hot spots and mopping up. Resources include six engines, two water tenders, and two crews.
Officials advise the public to avoid the fire area around Grandview Lookout Tower in order to allow personnel to continue their work on the incident. Hazards include burned trees that may fall across forest roads and smoke on local roadways. As a safety precaution, Arizona Trail users need to be prepared to detour off the trail between Forest Road 303 at Watson Tank and the junction of Forest Roads 301 and 310 near Lockett Lake until further notice. All roads and trails in Grand Canyon National Park are open at this time.
Smoke may be visible along State Highway 64 and in various locations within Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors may also see fire equipment and personnel in the area. Drivers are asked to continue to use caution in the vicinity of the fire and watch for and obey any traffic control signs or personnel.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Grand Fire information is posted on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2910/.
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