Prescribed fire planned near Tusayan

300 acres scheduled for ignition Monday

TUSAYAN, Ariz. - Fire managers are planning to ignite approximately 300 acres of the Flying J Prescribed Fire Project on the Tusayan Ranger District Monday. The project is two miles southwest of Tusayan and west of the Grand Canyon Airport.

Managers are in the process of evaluating a set of parameters that need to be met in order to start the burn. These factors include fuel moisture, temperature, humidity, wind, and ventilation. The burn will be initiated if conditions are appropriate and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality approves the request.

The forecast shows light east winds for Monday. This will help transport smoke away from the airport, highway and Tusayan.

Crews will implement, monitor, and patrol the project to ensure it meets objectives outlined in the prescribed burn plan. According to Forest Service officials, prescribed burns are used to improve forest health, enhance wildlife habitat, and return fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem.