Grand Canyon, AZ – The National Park Service will burn piles of woody debris between Monday, February 24 through Wednesday, February 26 at Indian Gardens within Grand Canyon National Park depending on weather conditions. The piles of debris consist of tree branches, twigs, and leaves removed during hazardous fuels reduction projects around Indian Gardens Ranger Station, Indian Gardens Campground, and along the Bright Angel Trail over the past few years.

Fire managers will take advantage of existing clearings to minimize the chance of fire spread and potential spotting form the piles. The piles will be ignited by firefighters and monitored until they are completely out.

Park visitors may see or smell smoke in the vicinity of the piles located around Indian Gardens and may see smoke from piles from lookout points along West Rim Drive. Signs will be posted advising visitors of possible smoke along potentially impacted hiking corridors such as the Bright Angel Trail.

For more information on this debris burning project, please contact South District FMO Dan Pearson at 928-638-7934.