Please see the attached news release regarding the Ikes Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. There are closures in effect related to this wildfire. Visit
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/ for details.
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For Immediate Release: August 12, 2019
NPS Contact: Brandalyn Vonk, 602-730-6144
USFS Contact: Jacqueline Banks, 928-635-8314
Ikes Fire Public Information Office: 928-638-7071
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Ikes Fire Grows Due To Warmer, Drier Weather
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Grand Canyon, AZ - The Ikes Fire has grown to 85 acres due to warmer, drier weather over the past
few days. An increase in fire activity is occurring on south facing slopes due to more direct sunlight allowing vegetation to dry out from recent monsoonal activity. Fire continues to spread along the forest floor through the understory and duff layer.
Approximately 40 personnel are assigned to the Ikes Fire. Firefighters are working to improve control lines along the National Park Service W4 Road and Forest Road 223. These roads serve
as the southern and northern boundaries of the fire's planning area. Over the coming days firefighters may conduct firing operations in order to keep fire activity at a low to moderate intensity. This method is used to strengthen control lines by decreasing
the amount of vegetation available to the Ikes Fire as it naturally spreads toward the designated planning area boundaries. Firing operations are weather dependent and may produce smoke visible to the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon.
The Ikes Fire, which started on July 25th due to lightning strike, is located 3 miles east of
Swamp Point on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire is less than 1 mile south of the boundary with the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Closures
remain in effect for the Ikes Fire and more information can be found at
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.
Fire managers will continue the strategy of confinement and containment for the Ikes Fire planning area while providing for point protection of identified sensitive natural and cultural
resources. The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.
Over the weekend, Grand Canyon identified 3 lightning caused fires. The Royal Fire, Sinkhole Fire, and Outlet Fire located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are 100% contained
due to full suppression tactics. Suppression tactics include firefighters building containment line around the perimeter and receiving aerial support from helicopter bucket drops. The Outlet Fire may produce visible smoke to the west of the North Rim Lodge.
@KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.
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The year, Grand Canyon National Park celebrates 100 years since its designation as a national park. To prepare for the next century of stewardship, we hope to
inspire future generations to experience, connect with, and protect Grand Canyon's unique resources. Join the celebration at go.nps.gov/grandcanyoncentennial or on social media with #GrandCanyon100.
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To manage your subscription visit http://www.fs.fed.us/news/subscription.shtml
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Attachment:
JointNewsRelease_IkesFire_081219.pdf
Description: JointNewsRelease_IkesFire_081219.pdf
