National Park Service forces evacuation of parts within Grand Canyon National Park due to encroaching fire.
In the heart of Arizona's Grand Canyon landscape, a wildfire known as the White Sage Fire is currently burning near the North Rim area, causing significant disruptions and safety concerns. The fire, which has scorched approximately 8,700 acres as of July 11, 2025, remains 0% contained.
The fast-spreading blaze has led to the evacuation of around 500 visitors, primarily campers, and the closure of the North Rim area to all visitors until further notice. This includes nearby settlements and businesses, with residents being advised to shelter in place. State Route 89A to Fredonia is closed, but access east toward Lees Ferry remains open.
The White Sage Fire is believed to be linked to the dry vegetation and extreme heat conditions typical of the high desert and forested camping areas. However, there is no specific ignition source mentioned in the available sources. The fire is currently burning on Bureau of Land Management lands adjacent to the park but not within its boundaries.
In a separate development, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado is experiencing unusual weather conditions, including forest fires and heavy smoke. According to the park's website, lightning strikes are believed to be the cause of the forest fires in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. However, as of the current date, there is no recent information available about ongoing forest fires or evacuations in this park.
Authorities have advised residents in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park area to stay indoors due to heavy smoke. Visitors planning trips to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim are urged to monitor official National Park Service updates and InciWeb fire information pages for the latest developments.
In light of these events, public safety measures are actively being enforced, with immediate evacuation of all visitors from the North Rim area of the Grand Canyon and closure of day use access to the North Rim until further notice. Road closures are also in effect, and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and follow local emergency instructions.
[1] National Park Service: Grand Canyon National Park - White Sage Fire Information [2] InciWeb: White Sage Fire [3] National Park Service: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Fire Information
- The rapid spread of the White Sage Fire in the Grand Canyon, attributed to dry vegetation and extreme heat conditions, has prompted environmental-science experts to closely study the impacts of climate-change on wildfire behavior.
- In the midst of forecasting this summer's weather patterns, scientists are closely monitoring the White Sage Fire to better understand weather-forecasting models' accuracy in predicting wildfire outbreaks.
- As forest fires continue to burn in both the Grand Canyon and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks, researchers are collaborating to analyze the combined effects of climate-change, science, and environmental-science on wildfire dynamics and surrounding ecosystems.
