The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is temporarily closed as mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect due to a wildfire near the park.
The White Sage Fire, near Jacob Lake, prompted the National Park Service to evacuate all North Rim visitors “immediately” on Thursday night.
As of Thursday night, the blaze had scorched approximately 1,000 acres and continues to be active without any containment, as stated by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The National Park Service ordered all North Rim Grand Canyon visitors to evacuate immediately. (George Rose/Getty Images)
Firefighting efforts were supported by two single-engine air tankers from Mesquite, which dropped fire retardant to aid in initial containment efforts before nightfall. Fire crews worked overnight, advancing along the southern, eastern, and northeastern edges.
Air attack arrived on scene Thursday and aircraft continued to support ground crews, officials said. A Complex Incident Management Team was ordered.
The White Sage Fire has burned more than 1,000 acres near Jacob Lake. (NPS)
Highway 89A leading to Fredonia is shut down in both directions at mile marker 595 due to the blaze, with no estimated time for reopening, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Highway 89A east to Page remains open, according to the park service.
