Mandatory evacuations enforced as wildfires devastate Grand Canyon area
- The White Sage Fire near Jacob Lake has burned nearly 11,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations for all North Rim visitors.
- Highway closures have occurred due to the wildfires, complicating the evacuation efforts.
- The Grand Canyon National Park remains closed as firefighting efforts continue, highlighting the critical risk posed to visitors.
In the United States, the Grand Canyon National Park has faced severe threats from ongoing wildfires, specifically the White Sage Fire and Dragon Bravo Fire. As of July 11, 2025, the White Sage Fire has burned approximately 10,973 acres, posing significant dangers that prompted authorities to issue mandatory evacuation orders for all visitors to the North Rim area. The evacuation was initiated due to rapidly escalating fire conditions following a thunderstorm that passed through the region on July 9, which contributed to the fire growth through dry conditions and high winds. Fire officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management reported challenges in containing the flames due to gusty winds, low humidity, and sustained temperatures that exacerbated the fire's spread. This situation forced the evacuation of around 500 guests from the North Rim on July 10, a preemptive move to protect lives as the fire was classified to be actively burning with no containment in threat. The National Park Service's immediate response included closing the park indefinitely, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Simultaneously, the Dragon Bravo Fire, ignited by a lightning strike within the Inner Canyon, also required emergency management strategies from Park officials as this blaze spread due to dry and windy weather, leading to further evacuation orders. Fire crews attempted suppression efforts with aerial support, deploying fire retardants to halt both blazes, while escalating situations on-site led to a Complex Incident Management Team's mobilization for increased resources and management capabilities. Closure of nearby highways compounded issues as access routes for emergency services were limited. While Highway 89A to Fredonia was shut down, travel east toward Page remained open, allowing potential evacuees some escape routes. The situation remains under rigorous monitoring as firefighters endeavor to gain control over the fast-moving fires that continue to threaten the natural landscape and visitor safety in one of America's most treasured national parks.