Tusayan, Arizona, June 13, 2023 — Two new lightning caused wildfires discovered last week east of Tusayan will be managed within designated areas to reduce fuel loads and promote healthier landscapes.

 The Ridge Fire started by lightning on June 4 is located approximately 7 miles southeast of Tusayan along forest road 302 near Skinner Tank. It is currently 112 acres burning in ponderosa pine forest, and is moving south along Skinner Ridge.

The Hull Fire also started by lightning on June 4 is located near Lower Hull Tank along the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park boundary just northeast of the Grand View Lookout and east of Grandview Point. The Hull fire is currently at 55 acres burning in ponderosa pine forest, it is spreading north, and is being co-managed by the Grand Canyon National Park.

The overall strategy will be to allow fire to burn as it would naturally as long as it can be safely managed while meeting objectives. Both these fires will be monitored as they spread with the goal of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations while restoring and maintaining forest health. They will also be beneficial for increasing protection of wildlife habitat, historic heritage sites, large old growth timber stands, and sensitive watersheds. Resource specialists will take great care to protect cultural and natural resources in and around the proposed burn area.

Size is expected to increase on both these fires as growth is largely influenced by weather, available fuels, and terrain.

Smoke may be visible from various forest roads in and around the vicinity of these locations including Highway 180 and State Route 64. Within the park, smoke impacts may be most significant along Desert View Drive.

No impacts are anticipated to reach developed areas in the surrounding communities at this time.

Fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public at these locations. Motorists and visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through any fire vicinity.

The Kaibab National Forest is one of many fire-adapted ecosystems. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Decades of fire suppression has caused an abundance of fuels to build up, which can leave the forest vulnerable and susceptible to more dangerous high-severity wildfires. Managing naturally caused wildfires across the landscape is a very effective tool in restoring the forest to a healthier condition.