Back burns were set to starve the Obi Fire of fuel on the North Rim of Grand Canyon/NPS
Additional closures have been implemented on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park due to the Obi Fire, a relatively innocuous fire burning through downed trees and forest duff with occasional "tree torching."
Unlike fires in California or Glacier National Park, this wildfire poses no immediate threat to park facilities on the Walhalla Plateau. By Monday night it had grown to more than 9,900 acres, with most of the growth to the south towards Cape Royal and the lip of the rim.
With the additional growth, park officials implemented temporary closures for the Swamp Ridge Road, the North Bass Trail, and the Powell Plateau Trail. Fire Point, the Nankoweap Trail, and the Point Imperial Trail remain closed, as well.
The Cape Royal Road from the junction with the Point Imperial Road also was closed. Included in this closure are Cape Final Trail, Cliff Spring Trail, the northern section of the Ken Patrick Trail from Point Imperial to Cape Royal Road, and the southern section of the Ken Patrick Trail from Cape Royal Road to the old Bright Angel Trail.
The road to Point Imperial and all other North Rim trails and facilities were open. Prior to visiting these areas visitors were asked to check-in at the Backcountry Information Center or the North Rim Visitor Center.
"Due to public and firefighter safety, the Cape Royal Road still remains closed. With sudden wind shifts and smoke across the road, the Cape Royal Road is unsafe for motorists at this time," said Incident Commander Paul Lemmon.
Smoke from the Obi Fire was visible from both the North and South Rims of the park. There was also visible smoke being produced by fires on the Kaibab National Forest. Large scale wildfires across the West may also have impacts on the canyon over the next few days.
Grand Canyon visitors may see increased smoke or haze filling the canyon. Individuals sensitive to smoke can learn how to help protect their health by visiting the Coconino County Public Health Services District website.
Comments
I was there over the weekend and on one day the canyon was pretty well smoked in. The following day the wind shifted and it was clear.
Wind clears out the canyon in just a few hours. Seen it many times. I try to convince people to wait it out, but city folk just boogie on out. No patience.