Last week we experienced several exciting thunder storms with great lightning displays, but not much rain.

Arizona’s 11 years of drought has left the land dry and parched. Add to that 100 years of fire suppression which has allowed an unnatural build up of dead wood and pine needles. A perfect combination for fire.

Three small (several hundred acres) lightning-caused fires have been slowly burning on the South Rim southeast of the park for several weeks. They are being managed to meet resource objectives including “returning fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem, recycling of nutrients, protecting cultural sites, improving wildlife habitat, and reducing the risk of future severe fire occurrence.”

Last Wednesday, the Aspen Fire on the North Rim’s Walhalla Plateau was reported and expected to burn for several weeks, also being managed for the above reasons. By Sunday the fire had grown to almost 1700 acres and crossed the Cape Royal Road which was closed to visitors beyond the Point Imperial turnoff.

Firefighters are working on suppression on the northern and eastern flanks of the fire in an effort to reopen the road. The rest will be managed for resource benefits.

Also on Sunday, firefighters worked to suppress a 400 acre fire along Highway 89A north of Jacob Lake which closed that road from 5pm until noon Monday.

For more about fire on the North Rim check out FabGrandma’s post.

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