Tusayan, Arizona, October 22, 2021 — Kaibab National Forest fire managers will be continuing work on the Reed Prescribed Fire project located on the Tusayan Ranger District beginning Monday October 25. Crews will broadcast burn a low intensity 228-acre block on the upper Ten X Unit of the Reed Prescribed fire project located 3 miles east of the Town of Tusayan.

The operation is expected to be completed in one day with very little smoke impacts to surrounding communities. Smoke is forecasted to ventilate out to the north away from Tusayan and be short in duration. Residual smoke may settle into drainages and low-lying areas overnight. This burn may be visible at times from highway 64, the Town of Tusayan, and areas within the Grand Canyon National Park.

A portion of the Arizona Trail adjacent to the area being treated will be affected but will remain open. Hikers and trail users are asked to follow directions posted and comply with any temporary detours that may be in place during operations. Visitors should always use extra caution when passing through any area where prescribed burns are occurring.

The Kaibab National Forest is a fire adapted ecosystem. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Lack of fire in the forest has caused an abundance of fuels to build up, which can make the forest vulnerable and susceptible to more dangerous uncontrollable fire incidents. Reintroducing fire back into the ecosystem is a very effective tool to reduce fuel loads and restore the landscape back to a healthier state that is more aligned with historical conditions. 

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through the project vicinity.  

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

For additional information about the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burn authorizations, please visit: legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html

Additional fire information for Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF

Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Kaibab South Zone Rx Fire: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/