Overview
- A lightning strike ignited the Cliff Spring Fire below the North Rim, and park officials reported the blaze at about 171 acres with 0% containment after activity on Tuesday.
- Fire managers are not working the fire's edge because the terrain is steep and unreachable, so crews are using helicopter bucket drops and remote tactics to limit spread while keeping personnel safe.
- Initial response resources include a U.S. Wildland Fire Service engine, a cooperating engine, and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helicopter assigned to suppression efforts.
- Grand Canyon National Park has not closed trails or areas, but officials have temporarily paused issuing Walhalla Plateau backcountry permits and warned visitors that smoke and conditions can change quickly.
- The fire comes nearly one year after the destructive Dragon Bravo Fire and will help show how the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service performs during a season experts expect to be unusually active because of drought and low snowpack.