FINAL UPDATE: Grand Fire
Date: June 15, 2012
Contact: Shannan Marcak, 928-638-7958
Contact: 928-635-5653

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Grand Fire, burning on both the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park, experienced no growth today and remains at about 480 acres in size. Containment is now at 90 percent. Full containment of the fire is expected early next week; and 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.

"A rapid, coordinated response from both US Forest Service and National Park Service personnel was key to containing the fire quickly," said Nick Larson, Tusayan District Ranger.

The Grand Fire, which started on June 12, is located eight miles east of Tusayan, Arizona and 11 miles southeast of Grand Canyon Village, in the vicinity of the Grandview Lookout Tower and the Arizona Trail. Fuels include ponderosa pine, grass and some pinyon pine.

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. Hazards in the area include burned trees that may fall across forest roads and trails. 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.

Visitors may see fire equipment and personnel in the area. Drivers are asked to continue to use caution in the vicinity of the fire and to watch for and obey any traffic control signs or personnel.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This will be the final news release about the Grand Fire unless a significant change in fire activity occurs.

Grand Fire information is posted on Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2910/