Indian Fire Growth Expected to Slow
Incident: Indian Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 7/8/2009
TUSAYAN, Ariz. - The Indian Fire on the Tusayan Ranger District is 619 acres in size and is not expected to grow much today, according to Kaibab National Forest fire managers. The fire, which is located about 5 miles southeast of Tusayan and 2 miles southeast of Ten-X Campground, is being managed to meet resource objectives. Today, firefighters will be working to maintain the Indian Fire within the boundaries established for it. Engine crews from the Kaibab National Forest, Coconino National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park will patrol and hold the current fire perimeter. The Indian Fire, which was started by lightning June 17, grew slowly over its first two weeks. Then, as weather conditions became warmer and drier, the fire picked up in activity and grew more rapidly. During the day yesterday, the size of the fire perimeter did not change. However, additional acres were added to the fire size because interior islands of fuel burned. Fire managers said they don't expect the overall fire perimeter to change much in the coming days. However, the Indian Fire may continue to be active within its interior as any remaining islands of fuel catch fire and burn. Smoke impacts to communities were minimal yesterday and this morning. It is likely, though, that smoke will still be visible from Grand Canyon National Park and Tusayan over the coming days. The Indian Fire has been managed over the last few weeks in order to meet resource objectives such as enhancing wildlife habitat, improving forest health, and reducing the risk of large, destructive wildfires in the future. For more information, please visit Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1702/ or call Jackie Banks at (928) 635-8314.
