Ryan Santistevan

The Republic | azcentral.com

A lightning-ignited wildfire has burned more than 3,000 acres on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, national park officials said Thursday.

The Fuller Fire is burning in the area north of Fuller Canyon Road and about 3 miles southwest of Point Imperial. It is feeding on dead and downed logs on the forest floor and aspen-tree regeneration in an area burned by the 2000 Outlet Fire. That fire burned more than 14,000 acres.

The Fuller Fire is estimated to have grown to about 3,057 acres after it was started by lightning on June 29. About 200 crew members have been working to extinguish the fire.

Crews have been supported by bulldozer operations, helicopters dropping water and one heavy air tanker dropping retardant. Engine crews have worked on holding the fire north and west of the Point Imperial Road. Officials said fire behavior is expected to moderate overnight, with creeping and smoldering fire activity.

On Friday, officials said crews will continue active suppression efforts to contain all spot fires and to help contain fire to the south as opportunities arise.

Current trail closures:

The Arizona Trail is closed from Lindberg Hill, north to the Grand Canyon National Park boundary.

The Ken Patrick Trail.

The Point Imperial Trail.

The Nankoweap Trail.

The Saddle Mountain Trail.

The South Canyon Trail Current.

Road closures:

Point Imperial Road.

Cape Royal Road.

Forest Service 610 Road.

Forest Service 611 Road.

Officials said smoke is visible from State Route 67 and the North Rim, Marble Canyon, Cameron and the South Rim. Winds from the west and southwest are expected to continue to move smoke toward the east and northeast. Because of this, officials ask the public not to participate in outdoor activities or exercise if they see smoke.

Officials said the projected fire growth will continue to the north, south and east until monsoonal moisture returns to the area. Fire managers are using a full range of actions to direct or minimize the spread of fire as needed, officials said.