Grand Canyon, Ariz. – A type III incident management organization is currently working to suppress the New Water Fire (previously referred to as Grand Wash Complex Fire) which include lands within the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, as well as lands managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs –Truxton Cañon Agency, the Bureau of Land Management – Kingman Area Field Office, and the Arizona Division of Forestry.  Due to the increasing complexity of the fire a regional interagency type II incident management team has been ordered.  The team will report for an in-briefing on Saturday, August 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Peach Springs, Ariz.  They are scheduled to take command at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow.  This lightning-caused fire was reported at approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3.

The New Water Fire is located approximately six miles east of Meadview, Arizona and fifty miles north of Kingman, Arizona and originated on private land adjacent to the park. The fire, which is burning in grass, brush, and pinyon juniper quickly spread across the park boundary.

The size of the fire was estimated at 8,000 acres as of 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 5.

Two hot shot crews, two engines, two helicopters and two single-engine air tankers are working to suppress the fire; and containment is currently expected on August 8.

Additional resources are being ordered to assist in the suppression effort.

Fire Facts:

• Start Date:   August 3
• Location:  6 miles east of Meadview, Arizona and 50 miles north of Kingman, Arizona
• Size:  8,000
• Fuels: grass, brush and pinyon juniper
• Cause:  lightning
• Personnel/Equipment currently assigned to the fire:  two hot shot crews, two engines, two helicopters and two single-engine tankers
• Estimated Containment:  30%
• Values at risk:  The uncontained east flank of the fire is approximately two miles west of Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.