FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., May 24, 2019 at 8 a.m. The Maroon fire received snow Wednesday through Thursday and is still active and burning. Throughout the planning area some snow was received overnight, but only at higher elevations, and larger fuels in the fire continue to be consumed. Crews made some great progress prepping the identified holding features, with more preparation planned over the weekend. Fire prevention units have been doing an outstanding job making contacts with homeowners in the vicinity and explaining the opportunity to reduce hazardous fuels within the 14,700 acre area. Smoke will continue to be seen in the Leupp Road area as some ignitions may happen throughout the weekend for holding preparations. […]

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers anticipate initiating prescribed pile burning this week (5/6/19) as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. This project is anticipated to last throughout the month of May. As part of the South Rim Piles Project, they will burn 3,500 piles of woody debris east and west of South Entrance Road and south of Highway 64 (Desert View Drive) East. These 5'x5'x5' piles are comprised of slash left after mechanical thinning or cutting of trees within the 150 acre project area, and are being burned as part of a key objective of the project, which is to reduce the fuel load. […]