Evacuation Orders Issued for Grand Canyon’s North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is currently under mandatory evacuation orders due to a rapidly spreading wildfire. The White Sage Fire, located near Jacob Lake, has led to the temporary closure of the area as the National Park Service urges all visitors to leave immediately. The fire, which began on Thursday night, has already consumed approximately 1,000 acres and remains uncontained, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

Efforts to control the blaze are underway, with two single-engine air tankers from Mesquite deploying fire retardant before nightfall. Ground crews have been working tirelessly through the night to manage the fire’s spread on its south, east, and northeast flanks. An air attack team arrived on Thursday to provide additional support to ground operations. A Complex Incident Management Team has been mobilized to coordinate these efforts.

Impact on Local Infrastructure and Travel

The wildfire has also affected local infrastructure, leading to the closure of Highway 89A in both directions at mile marker 595. The Arizona Department of Transportation has not provided an estimated time for reopening. However, Highway 89A east towards Page remains accessible.

Safety Warnings for Hikers and Visitors

Officials have issued warnings to hikers and visitors about extreme heat and smoke conditions within the canyon. The BLM reported that smoke was first detected on Wednesday night following a thunderstorm in the White Sage area.

Community Response and Future Outlook

The community is on high alert as firefighting teams continue their efforts to contain the blaze. The situation remains dynamic, with updates expected as conditions evolve. Visitors and residents are advised to stay informed through official channels for safety updates and travel advisories.