Severe Wildfires Erupt Near Grand Canyon in Arizona

News Summary

Arizona is battling severe wildfires, with the White Sage Fire near the Grand Canyon rapidly expanding to 19,100 acres and remaining 0% contained. Evacuation orders have been issued for local areas, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed due to the fire’s aggressive spread. The Dragon Bravo Fire, the largest active wildfire in the lower 48 states, has also caused significant damage. Authorities express concern for public safety as extreme heat worsens conditions, continuing an intense fire season.

Arizona is currently facing severe wildfires, with the White Sage Fire expanding dramatically near the Grand Canyon. As of Saturday, this wildfire has scorched approximately 19,100 acres and is marked as still being 0% contained by fire officials. Evacuation orders have been issued for the Jacob Lake area, and about 500 guests from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park have been forced to evacuate following the fire’s rapid spread.

The White Sage Fire was ignited by lightning on July 9 and has grown more than tenfold in size in less than 24 hours. The blaze has not only led to the evacuation of local residents but has also resulted in the closure of the North Rim, a popular destination for tourists. Fire officials are noting that high temperatures, gusty winds, and extremely dry vegetation have contributed to the fire’s aggressive expansion.

In addition to the White Sage Fire, the Dragon Bravo Fire has been reported in the area. This fire began on July 4 and has burned over 100,000 acres, currently being described as the largest active wildfire burning in the lower 48 states. As of Friday morning, the Dragon Bravo Fire is approximately 8% contained, indicating ongoing challenges in managing the blaze.

The intense conditions have led to significant damage, including the destruction of over 70 structures and the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Firefighters face increasingly challenging circumstances as the fire’s heat generates its own weather patterns, creating pyrocumulus clouds. These conditions have hindered containment efforts considerably, and ground and aerial crews are working tirelessly to combat the blazes.

Arizona is currently under an extreme heat warning, with temperatures projected to reach as high as 116°F (46°C) through Wednesday. These high temperatures are exacerbating the fire’s intensity, leading to a season that the National Interagency Fire Center warns will continue to see significant fire activity well into September.

As authorities continue their efforts to control the fires, they have also expressed concern for public safety. A tragic incident occurred when a 67-year-old hiker from Texas was found unresponsive on the South Kaibab Trail and was unable to be resuscitated, emphasizing the dangers posed by the extreme conditions in the area.

In response to the growing threat of the fires, the Arizona Department of Transportation has closed parts of State Route 89A, warning drivers of extended delays as emergency crews work to manage the chaotic situation. Additionally, all staff and visitors at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park have been evacuated due to similar lightning-caused wildfires.

Officials continue to monitor both the White Sage and Dragon Bravo Fires closely, emphasizing that the communities involved must remain vigilant as firefighting efforts are ongoing and the potential for further evacuations remains imminent. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of these wildfires and the safety of the surrounding communities.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Fox Weather: Arizona Grand Canyon Dragon Bravo Wildfire Megafire
• CNN: Grand Canyon Dragon Bravo Fire
• New York Times: Dragon Bravo Fire Update
• SFGate: Wildfires Rage in National Parks
• Google Search: Grand Canyon wildfires