Why Are Parts of the Grand Canyon Closed Due to Wildfires?
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Synopsis
As wildfires rage near the Grand Canyon, parts of the iconic national park have been closed for safety. Evacuations are underway, and air quality is affected. Discover how these fires are impacting visitors and the ongoing firefighting efforts as officials work to contain the blazes. Stay informed about this evolving situation.
Key Takeaways
- Parts of the Grand Canyon National Park are closed due to wildfires.
- The White Sage Fire has consumed over 19,000 acres.
- Approximately 500 visitors were evacuated for safety.
- Air quality may fluctuate based on fire behavior.
- Both fires remain at zero percent containment.
Los Angeles, July 13 (NationPress) Portions of the Grand Canyon National Park, a renowned natural marvel in the western United States, are currently closed due to the escalation of two nearby wildfires. These fires have necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of visitors, as reported by officials.
The North Rim of the park is shuttered until further notice to aid firefighting efforts and to ensure the safety of the public amid the Dragon Bravo Fire and the adjacent White Sage Fire, according to a statement released by park officials on Saturday.
Officials also noted that smoke will likely remain visible from the South Rim, with air quality fluctuating based on the behavior of the fires and wind conditions.
The White Sage Fire, which ignited on Wednesday evening after a thunderstorm swept through the region, has expanded to over 19,000 acres (76.9 square km) and is currently at zero percent containment as of Saturday morning, according to InciWeb, an interagency information management system provided by the United States Forest Service.
Significant fire growth has been recorded and is expected to persist, as indicated by an update on the website.
On Friday, officials announced on Facebook that Grand Canyon staff successfully evacuated approximately 500 visitors from the North Rim due to the White Sage Fire. They confirmed that "all visitors have exited the area, while park employees and residents are sheltering in place."
Meanwhile, the nearby Dragon Bravo Fire, which started on July 4, has seen increased fire behavior and growth in recent days, driven by hot, dry, and windy weather conditions, as reported by Xinhua news agency, referencing InciWeb.
This fire has consumed about 5,000 acres (20.2 square km) to date and remains at zero percent containment.
Point of View
It’s critical to highlight that while wildfires are a natural occurrence, the current situation at Grand Canyon National Park underscores the importance of safety and preparedness. The evacuation of visitors reflects the park service's commitment to protecting both human life and natural resources during these challenging times.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the wildfires near Grand Canyon?
The White Sage Fire ignited after a thunderstorm, while the Dragon Bravo Fire has intensified due to hot, dry conditions.
How many acres have been affected by the fires?
The White Sage Fire has spread over 19,000 acres, and the Dragon Bravo Fire has burned approximately 5,000 acres.
Are there any evacuation orders in place?
Yes, approximately 500 visitors from the North Rim have been evacuated as a precaution.
When will the Grand Canyon reopen?
The North Rim will remain closed until further notice, pending firefighting operations and safety assessments.
How can I stay updated on the situation?
For the latest updates, monitor official park service communications and check platforms like InciWeb.
