I've just spoken to the fire chief. He happened to be at the fire station when I went there for information, and took the time to brief me on the fire.
The fire originated on Sunday afternoon with an abandoned campfire on top of the Rim. The fire blew up and scattered around on top. Then something caused it to come over the edge and down a finger (canyon stream bed). He used the illustration of a burning pinecone falling off the edge and spreading fire. It spread into other canyons and to both east and west of the origination point.
This is very steep and rough country, and no one is actively fighting the fire there. The bulk of the on-the-ground work is on top of the rim. The rest is indirect water drops from helicopters and planes.
THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE DANGER OF THE FIRE SWEEPING DOWN UPON US.
Today will tell the tale of whether the wind will shift and blow the fire down the canyons or whether the water drops can hold it where it is. Right now it is a 'natural' fire, which means it is burning brush between trees, scorching trunks, and NOT 'crowning' and jumping from treetop to treetop, as it might if pushed by heavy winds. I'm very grateful for that.
Please continue your prayers for the safety of the fire crews and our communities. Rain dances are still welcome.
Marsha
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