Moderate Growth on Managed Ruby Fire Near Tusayan

WILLIAMS, Ariz. – Gusty winds persisted Saturday across the Kaibab National Forest aiding in the expansion of the Ruby Fire to a total of 950 acres.  The fire is eight miles southeast of Tusayan, Ariz. and one and a half miles southwest of the Game Reserve Fire in Grand Canyon National Park. On Saturday, officials from the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park met to discuss interagency management of the Ruby and Game Reserve fires.

Personnel continue to conduct management ignition along portions of Forest Road 2719 to slow Ruby?s northward progression.  While northward movement has slowed and the eastern perimeter has stalled along the 2006 West Fire boundary, the rest of the Ruby Fire keeps spreading west and northwest meeting officials’ management objectives for the incident.  These objectives include firefighter and public safety, reintroduction of
fire in the ecosystem, hazardous fuel reduction and wildlife habitat enhancement.

Sunday, personnel will monitor fire progression and take actions to protect fire sensitive sites if necessary. Managers expect the recent gusty winds to begin to subside.

Smoke is visible along State Highway 64 and areas of Grand Canyon National Park.  Some smoke may be present in Tusayan until mid-morning. There are no closures associated with the Ruby Fire. Visitors should use caution while traveling on forest roads in the fire vicinity.