Local resources monitoring fire behavior on the Dragon Fire (NPS Photo/Fire Effects)
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 July 17 and is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem.
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 this 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. 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 2 wildland fire engines, 2 wildland fire modules, a 20-person hand crew, 1 helicopter, and local resource specialists.
Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htmfor 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 www.inciweb.nwcg.gov
Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.