The Powell Fire Wildland Fire Use

Grand Canyon, AZ - The Powell Fire continues to burn south along the Powell Plateau on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Since its start by lightning on June 15th, the low intensity fire has burned 1,610 acres. It is located 15 air miles northwest of the North Rim developed area.

Unlike many fires burning in other areas of the country, the Powell Fire is being allowed to continue its natural process under a wildland fire use strategy to reap the resource benefits that the fire is producing. The benefits include nutrient recycling, vegetation regeneration, and reduction of fuels.

Under the direction of Grand Canyon National Park Carnivore Biologist, Emily Garding, mitigation measures are underway to protect known goshawk nesting sites in advance of any potential fire spread. Clearing brush and debris away from the identified trees will help protect the sites. Garding says, "We want to let this fire burn as it would naturally, but at the same time we are taking measures to ensure the fire does not impact the success of the goshawk breeding season."

A noted recent change in fire behavior is the continuous burning through the night as temperatures remain high and relative humidity at night stays low. Today, winds will be steady 5-10 mph from the west, southwest. The slow surface spread of the Powell Fire will continue with 1-3 foot flame lengths and short uphill runs off the steep brushy slopes.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon remains open to visitors. The fire is not impacting visitors in the developed areas on the South and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The National Park is working closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to ensure air quality standards are met.

To ensure public safety, the following closures are still in effect: North Bass Trail, Powell Plateau Trail and Swamp Ridge Road. Please contact the Park's Backcountry Information Center at (928) 638-7875 for more information on these closures. For general park information, please call (928) 638-7888.

Please visit the following website for more information and photos of the fire: http://www.nps.gov/grca/fire/ and http://www.fireuse.org/