GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — The Dragon Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is approximately 85 acres in size. The lightning-caused fire began Sunday and is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem, according to a press release issued by the National Park Service.
Located 5 miles west of the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge, the Dragon Fire is burning in continuous ponderosa pine forest. Fire managers plan to continue monitoring fire activity while buffering containment lines to the north and east of the fire. All actions are being based on firefighter and public safety as well as current and expected fire weather and environmental conditions.
As of Wednesday morning, the Tiyo Point Trail is closed and motorists driving along the W-1/Point Sublime Road should be aware of fire personnel and equipment in the vicinity, the news release states. Motorists should watch out for snags across the roadway and slow down for emergency response vehicles. Southwest-west winds may move smoke east towards the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge and smoke may also be seen from the South Rim.
Wildfire is a natural process within the fire-adapted ecosystem on the North Rim. By allowing the Dragon Fire to carry out this natural process, a variety of resource objectives will be met including reduction of hazardous fuels, promoting forest regeneration, improving wildlife habitat and restoring a more open forest understory.
Resources assigned to the fire include two wildland fire engines, two wildland fire modules, a 20-person hand crew, one helicopter and local resource specialists.
Visit this website for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park. A map of the general vicinity of the Dragon Fire area is available here.
To learn more about current fires in the region and across the country, visit this link.