Fire
The National Park Service has closed the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, until further notice after the White Sage wildfire advanced toward Jacob Lake, prompting immediate evacuation orders for all visitors and residents in the area.
The White Sage Fire, which ignited July 9 on Bureau of Land Management lands approximately 15 miles southeast of Fredonia, has rapidly grown to an estimated 1,000 acres with zero percent containment as of Thursday evening. Although the fire is not currently burning within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park, its progression toward Jacob Lake has led authorities to take decisive action to ensure public safety.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office issued a “GO” evacuation order for the Jacob Lake area, including all dispersed camping in the Kaibab National Forest and all visitors on the North Rim. State Route 89A to Fredonia is closed in both directions, while State Route 89A east toward Lees Ferry and Page remains open. North Rim day use is also suspended until further notice.
Park officials have urged evacuees to travel calmly, remain on paved roads, and follow all instructions from emergency personnel. The National Park Service emphasized that the White Sage Fire is unrelated to the Dragon Bravo Fire, a separate lightning-caused wildfire currently being managed south of The Basin on the North Rim. The Dragon Bravo Fire, which began earlier this month, is being monitored for resource objectives and does not pose an immediate threat to infrastructure or public safety at this time.
The North Rim closure comes during the peak summer season, affecting visitors and local tourism. Updates on the White Sage Fire and related closures are available through official channels, including InciWeb and the Grand Canyon National Park website.
Key details for the White Sage wildfire threatening Grand Canyon National Park
- White Sage Fire location: BLM lands near Jacob Lake, not inside Grand Canyon National Park
- Size: Estimated 1,000 acres, 0% containment as of July 10
- Evacuations: All North Rim visitors and Jacob Lake area under “GO” orders
- Road closures: State Route 89A to Fredonia closed; 89A east to Lees Ferry/Page open
- North Rim status: Closed to all use until further notice
- Dragon Bravo Fire: Separate incident, managed south of The Basin, not threatening visitors or infrastructure
Across the country, thirteen new large fires were reported since yesterday morning, for a total of 34 large fires being suppressed and 70 being managed under strategies other than full suppression. More than 8,600 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to incidents, including a complex incident management team assisting fire suppression efforts in Canada (see International Support).
Initial attack activity is increasing throughout multiple geographic areas, with a corresponding increase in demand for firefighting resources. A fuels and fire behavior advisory is in place in southwest Utah, where critically dry grasses and shrubs are fueling fast-moving fires.
Each year, thousands of fires in the United States are caused by people. Major causes of these fires include loss of control of debris burning, unattended or unextinguished campfires, and sparks or heat transfer from vehicles and equipment like chainsaws or recreational vehicles. Become a part of the solution by going the extra mile to be fire safe on our public lands. Recreate Responsibly: Wildfire Edition.
