North Rim Wildfire
West Tonto Trail Overlooking Granite Rapids (photo: Brian Lane)
On June 21st Fire Managers at Grand Canyon National Park began a prescribed burn in Walla Valley (about 10-12 miles W/NW of the North Rim facilities). Yesterday (June 26th, 2008) the status of the fire was "converted" from being a prescribed burn into that of an actual wildfire. Approximately 100 firefighters have been deployed along with five fire trucks, a water tender, and a couple of helicopters. They are also requesting another heavy helicopter and four air tankers to assist in fighting this fire.
I must say, don't know why they ever choose to start prescribed burns during the Arizona wildfire season. There are currently about five wildfires burning throughout Arizona. Visibility, especially on the North Rim is sure to be affected by the Walla Valley fire. Occasionally these fires are contained by fire suppression techniques, but it usually takes rain and humidity from the Arizona Monsoon Season to extinguish these fires.
On a good note, a high pressure weather system is setting up over the Four Corners area of the Southwestern U.S., that coupled with our current hot temperatures is the usual catalyst needed to bring on the monsoon rains. Yesterday, in Sedona, we did have dark gray skies to the east and could see lots of lightning. Today I can see those familiar anvil headed thunderstorm clouds starting to build, although Arizona monsoon rains are always hit or miss.
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