Category Archives: Grand Canyon

County Board of Supervisors issue statement to close Grand Canyon National Park

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — The following is a statement from the Coconino County Board of Supervisors regarding the closing of the Grand Canyon National Park.

“For the safety and health of Coconino County healthcare providers, residents and visitors, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors strongly urge Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to close Grand Canyon National Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board also calls on local, state and federal officials to join the Board in calling for the closure of the park.

“The Grand Canyon is the crown jewel of parks across the County and country. However, it is important that the park adheres to proven guidance to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing measures in response to pandemics work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, closures aimed to reduce the spread of infection have been proven to be extremely effective. Keeping the park open and allowing travelers from all over the world to come here and risk spreading COVID-19 is an unnecessary risk.

Locally elected officials know their communities and how best to look out for the public health of the people they serve. Leaders in Washington D.C. should heed, and seek out, the advice of, local leaders for the safety of Coconino County, the state and the nation.”

Ikes Fire Grows Due To Warmer, Drier Weather

Posted on by

GRAND CANYON – 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.

Ikes Fire Remains Active Despite Regular Rain Showers

Posted on by

GRAND CANYON — The Ikes Fire has seen minimal growth over the past 2 days due to multiple rain showers over the fire area. “Due to moisture, fire activity has been limited,” stated Paul Lemmon, Ikes Fire Incident Commander. “But the fire continues to burn within the duff layer of needles, leaf litter, and downed logs along the forest floor.”

The weather forecast for the next several days predicts higher temperatures, lower humidity, and a low chance of rain. “With predicted hotter and drier weather the next 6 to 10 days, there could be potential for increased fire behavior” stated Lemmon.

Firefighters continue 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. 59 personnel are currently assigned to the Ikes Fire.

The Ikes Fire, which started on July 25th due to lighting 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.

Closure Orders remain in effect for both the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park for the Ikes Fire. Learn more about the official closure orders by visiting https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.

Fire managers will continue the strategy of confinement and containment in the 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.

ADOT-operated airport supports Grand Canyon tourism, area economy

Posted on by

PHOENIX – It probably isn’t a surprise that Grand Canyon National Park Airport is a gateway for many wishing to experience the natural wonder of Arizona’s signature tourist attraction. In the process, it supports tourism and the area economy.

What might surprise you: The Tusayan airport, which is the state’s fourth-busiest in terms of passengers served, is owned and operated by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Tourists from all around the world fly into Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Open since 1965, it serves as a local hub for large tourist groups wishing to experience the Grand Canyon via air tours.

In managing the airport, ADOT hosts six air-tour companies that allow visitors to fly over the canyon for a unique experience. It also hosts a skydiving company that brings added attraction to the area.

“It’s our goal to support tourism to the Grand Canyon and be a good neighbor to the local community,” said Matt Smith, ADOT’s Grand Canyon airport manager.

On average, the airport sees 275 commercial flights daily from three airlines based in the Las Vegas region, allowing people to make visiting the Grand Canyon part of their Las Vegas getaways. In 2017, the airport and its private air-tour operators served more than 336,000 passengers.

Grand Canyon National Park Airport accommodates smaller commercial passenger jets, generally those weighing less than 100,000 pounds, but it can accommodate Air Force One, a Boeing 747 that has visited twice.

Seven firefighters employed at the airport – and who live on site – are trained to respond to major incidents well as medical emergencies. The airport has three fire rescue vehicles, including a truck with a Schnozzle, a piece of equipment that can puncture an aircraft fuselage and spray 1,500 gallons of fire-suppressing foam or 500 pounds of dry chemical extinguishing powder.

The facility also houses four snowplows to keep the runway clear, with firefighters pulling double duty as certified snowplow operators. With an elevation of more than 6,600 feet, the airport sees between 50 and 100 inches of snow annually.

An FAA tower completed in 2003 controls air traffic at Grand Canyon. Federal rules set restrictions on flights over the national park.

Cities, counties and regional airport districts oversee most U.S. airports, with only a handful owned and operated by states. Because Tusayan wasn’t incorporated, Arizona assumed the responsibility of operating Grand Canyon National Park Airport when it opened. Built on U.S. Forest Service land, the runway was completed in 1965, while the terminal was dedicated in 1967.

ADOT assumed ownership of the airport in 1974 when what was previously known as the State Highway Department merged with the Arizona Department of Aeronautics.

For more information on Grand Canyon National Park Airport, visit azdot.gov/GrandCanyonAirport.

Governing Board applicants sought for appointment

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment for one seat on the Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board and two seats on the Maine Consolidated School District Governing Board.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Application information:

An advisory committee may be assembled, consisting of district residents and a current board member to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or email: aterhaar@coconino.az.gov.

SR 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon to close for winter Monday

Posted on by

PHOENIX – State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is scheduled to close for the winter season on Monday, December 3.

ADOT doesn’t clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since North Rim visitor accommodations are closed. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May. US 89A remains open during the winter.

State routes 261, 273 and 473 leading to lakes in the White Mountains region will also close for the winter on December 31. The highways could close earlier depending on weather.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

  • Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.
  • Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, blankets, water and snacks.
  • Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.
  • Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
  • Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
  • Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
  • Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Tusayan Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Posted on by

TUSAYAN – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch meeting for the Tusayan area on Thursday, October 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Tusayan Fire Station located at 408 West State Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023.

Lightning strikes continue, Forest visitors reminded to be weather aware

Posted on by

GRAND CANYON – For Immediate Release. Monsoonal activity continued to cross portions of both the northern and southern areas of the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park this week, bringing varying amounts of rain and lightning to various areas throughout both the forest and park. Fire resources in both the North Zone and South Zone continue to respond to each lightning-caused fire as it is discovered and reported.

Due to the increased amount of fire activity throughout both the Grand Canyon and the Kaibab National Forest, operations are anticipated to continue throughout the weekend. This means that smoke will likely be visible on both the North and South Rims of the park and all three ranger districts on the Kaibab National Forest: North Kaibab Ranger District, Williams Ranger District, and the Tusayan Ranger District.

At this time there are no road closures within the park or forest; however, motorists traveling within these areas should use caution as fire crews could be present at any time. Motorists are asked to drive with headlights on and drive slow in and around emergency response vehicles.

As a reminder, lightning-caused fires are evaluated by fire management officials for the most appropriate management strategy. Firefighter safety, resources at risk, location of the fire, available resources, regional and national preparedness levels, and weather forecast are taken into consideration when responding to a wildfire ignition.

For more information on the largest and most active of these wildfires, please visit the following:

Obi Fire – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6030/
Rain Fire – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6002/

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.

For fire information at Grand Canyon National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information.

SR 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon will close for winter Tuesday

Posted on by

PHOENIX ‒ State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is scheduled to close for the winter season on Tuesday, December 5.

ADOT doesn’t clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since North Rim visitor accommodations are closed. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May. US 89A remains open during the winter.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

  • Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.
  • Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, water and snacks.
  • Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip.
  • Never pass a snowplow.
  • Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
  • Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
  • Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
  • Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers can call 511 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov tp get the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features camera images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Favorable Conditions Allow Fire Managers to Continue Operations on North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Posted on by

GRAND CANYON – National Park Service (NPS) and US Forest Service (USFS) fire managers, working together as the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, anticipate initiating more prescribed fire (Rx) treatments this week as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Prescribed fires play an important role in decreasing risks to life, resources, and property. Fire managers carefully plan prescribed fires, initiating them only under environmental conditions that are favorable to assuring firefighter and visitor safety and to achieving the desired objectives.

Thompson Rx: Fire managers anticipate igniting up to 2,000 acres of the Thompson Rx unit. The unit is located on the east side of Arizona Highway 67, directly east of the North Rim entrance station, and adjacent to the northern boundary of the Park and Forest Service Road 610. The Thompson Rx unit is predominantly spruce, fir, and aspen, with some large ponderosa pine and small grassy meadows.

Specific objectives for the Thompson Rx include reducing dead and downed woody fuels, reducing potential future fire behavior, returning fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem, preventing adverse impacts to cultural and natural resources, aiding in the preservation of historic structures and archaeological sites, and protecting species habitat.

High Severity Edge Rx: The High Severity Edge Rx is in primarily ponderosa pine forest on the Walhalla Plateau, west of Cape Royal Road. Fire managers plan to treat approximately 500 acres this season. This protection project is a third-entry treatment for an area that recently had wildfires – the 2009 Aspen Fire and the 2001 Vista Fire. A specific objective of this Rx is to limit new high severity fires on the Walhalla Plateau.

Tipover East Rx Update: Fire managers completed ignitions on the Tipover East Rx and will transition operations to a Type-3 Incident Commander tomorrow. Anticipated operations on Tipover are to hold and patrol, and at least two engine crews will remain on site to monitor fire behavior within the unit. Specific objectives include reducing accumulations of hazardous fuels and protecting sensitive cultural and natural resources.

North Rim Slopes Rx Update: Fire managers treated approximately 800 acres yesterday within the North Rim Slopes Rx and plan to treat an additional 800 acres next week if conditions are conducive to safely do so. Specific objectives include reducing accumulations of hazardous fuels by 25 percent and returning fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem.

Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be visible from various locations on the North and South rims, and Arizona Highways 64, 67 and 89A. Smoke may impact traffic and may also be present in the inner canyon and on the section of Arizona Trail near the Thompson Rx. If necessary, pilot car operations will be used on FR 610. Motorists are cautioned to please drive slowly with lights on, avoid stopping in areas where fire personnel is working, and follow directions of signs and personnel. Fire managers are working with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality-Smoke Management Division to reduce and mitigate potential smoke impacts.