Multiple Wildfires Force Closures at Major US Parks

Wildfires have caused the closure and evacuation of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in the western United States. The White Sage Fire, started by lightning near Jacob Lake, Arizona, has grown to about 1,000 acres with no containment, prompting the evacuation of the North Rim and closures including U.S. Highway 89A. Separately, the Dragon Bravo fire is burning within the North Rim but is not related to the White Sage Fire. In Colorado, lightning-sparked wildfires in Black Canyon of the Gunnison have burned over 2.5 square miles, also with zero containment. Dry conditions, high temperatures, and gusty winds are fueling the severity and spread of all these fires. Park officials warn that extreme weather continues to pose significant risks to visitors, residents, and firefighters.