Wildfires have forced evacuations in parts of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, as well as Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, after several blazes ignited due to lightning strikes.
In Arizona, a fire named Dragon Bravo has been burning inside the Grand Canyon since July 4.
Sparked by lightning, the fire had already scorched around 150 acres by Friday evening and remained completely uncontained.
Due to the fire’s rapid growth, residents in the North Rim area of the park were told to evacuate immediately.
About 500 visitors who were staying in the North Rim — a quieter and less frequently visited section of the park — were moved out on Thursday night for safety reasons.
Meanwhile, a larger fire known as the White Sage Fire is burning just north of the park near Jacob Lake.
Also started by lightning, this fire had consumed nearly 11,000 acres as of Friday and was also at 0% containment.
The fire prompted road closures and evacuation orders in nearby communities.
Firefighting teams in the area are facing tough conditions due to strong winds, low humidity, dry brush, and rugged terrain. These elements are making it harder to control the fires and prevent them from spreading.
The wildfire threat is not limited to Arizona. In neighboring Colorado, fires have also broken out in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Like the Arizona fires, these blazes were started by lightning and led to the evacuation of all visitors and staff from the park.
Ongoing hot and dry weather across the western United States has raised wildfire risks in recent weeks. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely while working to control the flames and ensure public safety.