U.S. Wildland Fire Service responding to wildfire below North Rim

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications, (928) 638-7779

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is responding to the Cliff Spring Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire below the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire is currently estimated at 171 acres, is zero percent contained, and is burning in grass, brush, pinyon pine, and juniper.

There are currently no trail or area closures. The park has temporarily paused issuing permits for trips in the Walhalla Plateau area while fire managers continue to evaluate conditions.

Resources assigned include one U.S. Wildland Fire Service engine, one cooperating engine, and a USWFS helicopter. Firefighters are currently using a direct extinguishment strategy through helicopter bucket drops. Because the fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain, crews cannot work directly at the fire's edge and are instead working from safer locations to limit fire spread while reducing unnecessary risk to personnel.

Visitors may see smoke in the area as firefighters continue suppression efforts. Fire activity, weather and operational needs can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for changing conditions.

The National Park Service and the USWFS will continue to track conditions and provide updates as information becomes available.

For the latest information and current conditions, visit the Grand Canyon website.