Activity Increases on Ruby and Game Reserve Fires
Incident: Ruby Fire Prescribed Fire
Released: 6/13/2009
WILLIAMS, Ariz. -The Ruby Fire gained some momentum the past two days as dry, warm and windy conditions returned. Observed fire behavior consisted of one to two foot flame lengths, single tree torching and short range spotting. The fire has grown to 2,368 acres. The Ruby Fire is six miles southeast of Tusayan, Ariz. and 1/2 mile southwest of the Game Reserve Fire (384 acres) in Grand Canyon National Park.
Saturday, the Ruby and Game Reserve fires continued to move across the landscape toward each other. With this progression expected to continue, forest and park managers agreed it would be beneficial to manage both fires for protection and resource objectives under one organization. Both fires will be managed as the Ruby Complex starting Saturday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m.
To meet protection objectives on these fires, personnel have taken measures to prevent rapid fire spread near cultural resource sites, wildlife water tanks, the Arizona Trail and the power line on the south side of Hwy 64. To meet resource objectives, fire has been allowed to move across the landscape when conditions are appropriate, to reduce hazardous fuel accumulation, enhance wildlife habitat and improve forest health.
US Forest Service and NPS officials have decided that managing both fires under one organization is a valuable opportunity to work together, combine resources and meet multiple objectives. "We are pleased we have this opportunity to work with Grand Canyon National Park to manage fire across jurisdictional boundaries," said Angela Parker, Tusayan District Ranger. "It makes ecological as well as resource protection sense."
The Ruby Fire has reached the Arizona Trail, a popular hiking, biking and horseback riding trail. To provide for public safety, fire managers have closed a 4-mile segment of the trail from Watson tank to Grandview trailhead until further notice. Signs are posted to alert trail users to a detour on Forest Roads 303 and 302 away from fire activity.
Smoke is visible along State Highway 64, US Highway 180 and in some areas of Grand Canyon National Park. There is occasional haze in the eastern part of Grand Canyon and in Tusayan. Generally, the thin layer of smoke dissipates early morning. Close coordination with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to monitor smoke production is a high priority in the management of these fires.
The forecast calls for partly cloudy, breezy conditions to persist for several days. There are no red flag warnings in the general forecast. Please use caution while traveling on forest roads in the fire vicinity. For additional information, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, 928-635- 5653.
-USFS-
