Fire Management

A firefighter monitors a burn on the south rim of the Grand Canyon

NPS Photo / J. Pennington

Fire has been a part of the Colorado Plateau ecosystem for thousands of years. Its presence is important for wildlife habitat, nutrient recycling, plant diversity, and overall landscape health. Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park seek to strike a balance between maintaining the land and protecting human life and property.

During the past century, fire was feared and aggressively suppressed. Over time, that led to a significant and unnatural buildup of live and dead trees, pine needles, shrubs, and grasses. Not only does this buildup create risks for developments near wildland areas, but it also poses a threat to the health of the forests.

Fire naturally thins the forest, recycles nutrients into the soil, and stimulates new plant growth. Fire ecology research has shown that many plant and animal species benefit from the restorative effects of fire.

Fire managers use monitoring data and the latest fire ecology research to guide their efforts to restore the natural fire regimes at Grand Canyon National Park. Fire managers work with wildlife biologists, vegetation ecologists, historic preservation specialists, and interagency cooperators to achieve common goals of enhanced habitat and improved ecosystem functions.

---

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 9 seconds

Fire can be utilized to shape the landscape and achieve large-scale resource goals. Conversely, wildland fire can also adversely impact our resources, both natural and cultural. The Grand Canyon Fire Management Program views the wise use of fire as an important tool in the effort to reduce the impacts and restore balance to our ecosystems.

 

NPS Photo / J. Pennington

Fire Education QUICKLINKS:
Wildland Fire Glossary
NPS Fire Education Portal


Fire Effects Monitoring - Air Quality
Grand Canyon Visibility - WEBCAM
Air Quality Profile - Grand Canyon National Park


Fire Management Documents:
Grand Canyon Fire Management Plan
NPS Park Planning Documents


Fire Ecology Research
Obtaining a Grand Canyon National Park Research Permit
Opportunities for research collaboration


Find the latest research articles from our partners at:
Northern Arizona University - School of Forestry
Northern Arizona University - Ecological Restoration Institute