Progress Continues On the Grand Canyon North Rim Fire

A lightning-caused fire that started last Friday on the Grand Canyon North Rim had grown to more than 3,000 acres and was 30% contained by Wednesday, June 4.

The containment number is based on the fraction of the Galahad Fire that firefighters have been controlling, which is mainly around the historic Grand Canyon cabin and lookout tower on the peninsula as well as the W-4 Road.

The remainder of the Galahad Fire is being naturally contained by the canyon rim and old burn scars with very little fuel left to burn.

According to fire managers, the fire in this area will gradually burn itself out, but will be monitored daily to ensure there is no threat to surrounding areas. In case of a threat, pre-determined holding actions, such as burning out or helicopter water drops will be implemented.

Fire officials are expecting wind patterns to carry the smoke to the northeast and smoke may be visible in the northern parts of Arizona and southern Utah. Smoke can also be expected in the lower areas of the Grand Canyon National Park as well as the neighboring Kaibab National Forest.

Several engine crews and other personnel were working to contain the spot fires across the W-4 Road and south of the Kanbowbitz Cabin.

According to Jay Lusher, a fire management officer for Grand Canyon National Park, the cabin was considered protected despite the nearby fire.

The Grand Canyon cabin was wrapped in a material used in the portable fire shelters.

According to the Grand Canyon National Park Service, two road closures are still in effect. The W-4 Road is closed from the junction of the FS268B road south to Point Sublime and the W-1 Road, also known as the Point Sublime Road, is closed from the W-4 junction, east to the western end of the Basin.