Attached is today’s update on the Ikes Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Also attached is a map showing the current fire perimeter, planning area and
associated closures.
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National Park Service
Grand Canyon National Park
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U.S. Forest Service
Kaibab National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
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For Immediate Release: August 17, 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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Incident Objectives Being Met On the Ikes Fire
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Grand Canyon, AZ- The
lightning caused Ikes Fire has burned through approximately 3,500 acres of the pre-determined 7,785 acre planning area. Currently, there are 88 resources assigned to the Ikes Fire.
One of the main objectives for utilizing the Ikes Fire within the 7,785-acre planning area is for resource benefit. The Type 3 Incident Management Team is using a variety of methods to
confine the fire within the predetermined area. These methods include the usage of natural barriers and constructed fireline while tactical firing operations along the perimeter are incorporated to add depth to the line. Once the line is completed, it slows
or stops fire as it approaches.
The Ikes Fire has currently spread across 42% of the 7,785-acre planning area. This portion of the pre-determined planning area has had fire move through it with low to moderate fire
behavior observed. Fire is a force of nature that has shaped the vegetation and ecosystems of the national parks. The first national parks were created in the late 1800s. At the time, wildfires were suppressed because they were considered a threat to the grand
scenery.
Over the years, land managers learned that when all fire is suppressed, fuels build up making larger and damaging fires unavoidable. Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest
are working together to safely utilize this lightning caused fire effectively and to promote healthy forest regeneration.
Yesterday, gusty winds prevented firefighters from carrying out firing operations. Crews patrolled the perimeter on the northeast and eastern portion of the fire while other personnel
continued to prep the west side of the Forest Service Road 223. Observed fire behavior was active with backing fire along ridge tops and single tree torching.
The predicted weather for the weekend is warm, very dry conditions with temperatures about 5 degrees above average for mid-August. Expect gusty west to southwest breezes in the afternoon
with light drainage winds overnight.
Closures remain in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest. More information on closures can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.
The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.
Please visit
https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.
For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit
www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @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:
Ikes Fire Joint News Release August 17 2019.pdf
Description: Ikes Fire Joint News Release August 17 2019.pdf
Attachment:
Ikes Fire PIO Map 081719-sm.pdf
Description: Ikes Fire PIO Map 081719-sm.pdf
