Prescribed fire planned near Tusayan for today and tomorrow

TUSAYAN, Ariz - Because of a successful prescribed fire last week on 122 acres, fire managers are planning to continue with another 430 acres of the Flying J project today and tomorrow.

"Burning went well last week with good consumption of fuels and pine litter on the forest floor" Engine Captain Adam Pahl said. "We want to keep that good work going".

The Flying J project is strategically located around the town of Tusayan to reduce hazardous fuels, provide community protection and restore forest health. Located west of the Grand Canyon Airport, the fire will be very visible from the town of Tusayan and sections of HWY 64 south of town.

East and northeast winds should create ideal smoke dispersal away from Tusayan, Grand Canyon Village and Highway 64. The Grand Canyon Railway could see minimal smoke due to its location west of the burn area. All prescribed fire activity is dependent on personnel availability, weather - including winds and ventilation and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at www.azdeq.gov.

Additional information is available from Fire Information Officer Holly Krake at (928) 635-5653.