Wildfires Force Evacuation in Two U.S. National Parks

Jacob Lake, July 11 (AP) — In the western United States, wildfires have forced the evacuation of visitors and staff from two national parks.

The Gunnison National Park, located approximately 418 kilometers southwest of Denver, was closed on Thursday morning due to fires ignited by lightning on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon, according to park officials. The wildfire has consumed 6.5 square kilometers, and containment efforts have yet to yield any results.

The park authorities indicated that conditions were highly conducive to wildfires, characterized by soaring temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds, and dry vegetation. Weather continues to present concerns as Friday approaches.

Meanwhile, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona was also closed on Thursday due to a nearby wildfire on Bureau of Land Management land close to Jacob Lake. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office reported that evacuations were carried out in areas north of Jacob Lake and among campers in the Kaibab National Forest in the vicinity.

Fire officials stated that the fire originated on Wednesday evening after a thunderstorm swept through the area, and it has spread across approximately 3.9 square kilometers with zero containment.

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