White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires: The latest on the wildfires in northern Arizona
The Dragon Bravo Fire at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is now the seventh largest fire in Arizona history, burning more than 130,000 acres.
Fire crews clear hazardous trees from Dragon Bravo Fire
More than two months after it erupted in July, the Dragon Bravo Fire is now roughly 86% contained. It’s burned by an area spanning over 145,000 acres.
Firefighter dies while working on Dragon Bravo Fire at the Grand Canyon
A firefighter has died after suffering a cardiac emergency while working on continuing efforts to quell the Dragon Bravo Fire on the north side of the Grand Canyon.
Dragon Bravo Fire could threaten Grand Canyon National Park’s sole drinking water source
Scientists with Northern Arizona University will install sensors and cameras that’ll alert them if water entering aquifers on the North Rim is carrying higher than normal amounts of ash and sediment.
Dragon Bravo Fire reaches 80% containment as crews watch for new fire starts
Containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire stood at 80% Sunday morning, spanning over 145,000 acres. Fire crews continued to make progress on the lightning-caused blaze while making suppression repair.
Crews working on the Dragon Bravo Fire are getting a break thanks to monsoon storms
Crews working on the Dragon Bravo fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are getting a break — in the form of monsoon storms.
The latest on closures and structures
Monsoon storms give crews an advantage against Dragon Bravo, White Sage fires
Monsoon storms are finally giving crews fighting the White Sage and Dragon Bravo Fires a nice advantage. That’s according to Tiffany Davila, spokesperson for the division of forest and fire management.
The Dragon Bravo Fire hasn't grown in several days, fire official says
More than a month and half after the Dragon Bravo Fire started in northern Arizona, the blaze appears to be under control.
Containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire is 62%
Containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire in northern Arizona is 62% as of Wednesday morning.
Wet weather conditions recently have helped with reducing fire behavior.
Mary Grace Bedwell is spokesperson for the fire.
“We're really happy to say that the rain, the monsoons finally starting, has really helped to increase the humidity in the fire area and saturate some of the fuels," she said over the weekend.
Bedwell says analysts anticipate a warming trend to increase fire behavior. However, this will be more moderate than previous conditions.
Grand Canyon’s North Rim is still closed from fire, but South Rim remains open for business
Arizona wants to remind people that while the North Rim is closed due to the massive Dragon Bravo Fire, the South Rim is very much open for business. And they invite people to see for themselves.
Brighty, the iconic bronze burro, survives the Dragon Bravo Fire, but his future is unknown
An iconic piece of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim survived the Dragon Bravo Fire and is being moved to the national park’s South Rim.
Dragon Bravo Fire is 1st wildfire on record to have burned both in and outside Grand Canyon’s basin
At nearly 145,000 acres, the Dragon Bravo Fire burning at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the largest wildfires in Arizona history.
And it’s also the first wildfire on record to have burned both in and outside the canyon’s basin
Dragon Bravo Fire now 44% contained
Better weather at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is giving firefighters a break as they work on the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is now 44% contained on Tuesday.
Hot, dry weather expected to worsen Dragon Bravo Fire
The Dragon Bravo Fire burning on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the seventh-largest fire in the state’s history. It had scorched more than 134,000 acres on Friday.
Dragon Bravo Fire is now nearly the size of Tucson; crews forced to truck water in
Fire officials told community members in northern Arizona on Wednesday that intensely dry conditions and strong winds are making the Dragon Bravo Fire on the Grand Canyon’s north rim hard to manage.
Residents air frustration, distrust with fire management
Fire officials met with residents Tuesday in Fredonia to explain the latest on the Dragon Bravo Fire burning on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
2 public meetings this week as Grand Canyon wildfire continues to grow
The Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn, with a footprint of more than 126,000 acres and only 13% containment on Tuesday.
Dragon Bravo Fire up to more than 123,000 acres
It’s been one month since the Dragon Bravo Fire broke out on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The blaze has burned more than 123,000 acres and was 13% contained on Monday morning.
Dragon Bravo grows as White Sage reaches almost complete containment
The Dragon Bravo Fire grew to over 116,000 acres at 12% containment according to the latest update from the Southwest Complex Incident Management Team. Despite the poor weather causing the fire to grow, the crews continue their operations with the placement of containment lines.
Lisa Jennings is a spokesperson with the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.
“With these incredibly dry conditions, we have a lot of air support helping out on this fire. We are dropping hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to slow the spread each day,” she said.
Jennings also says some additional growth is expected due to not every area having the containment lines.
Fire crews also continue to address the White Sage Fire. As of the weekend, local units have taken over command of the fire, which is almost completely contained.
Dragon Bravo Fire burns at over 110,000 acres despite containment efforts
The Dragon Bravo Fire has burned more than 110,000 acres with 11 percent containment. Despite the recent higher humidity, the return of critical fire weather may be a problem.
Officials say the fire shifted to the west and crossed the bottom of the Crystal Creek drainage.
People are advised to check local air quality conditions as smoke will remain visible in areas like the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
The incident management team says the strategy to put out the blaze remains full suppression operations. That involves holding containment lines.
The team also does not expect precipitation right now.
There is a temporary flight restriction over the Dragon Bravo Fire area.
400 displaced North Rim workers could soon get new housing
Efforts are underway to provide permanent housing on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for employees displaced by the Dragon Bravo Fire.
Fire crews hope Friday is window of opportunity for increased containment
The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has again increased in size on Friday.
The fire has now burned nearly 112,000 acres, with containment dropping to 8% from 9% on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team told KJZZ that Friday could offer a window of opportunity to create more containment lines.
The fire is still in a remote part of the North Rim, and no additional structures have been lost.
The weather, however, remains warm with temperatures in the low to mid-80s.
The blaze, which was sparked by lightning on July 4, is now one of the top 10 fires to ever burn in Arizona.
Dragon Bravo Fire now over 100,000 acres
The Dragon Bravo Fire at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is now the 10th largest fire in Arizona history, burning more than 105,000 acres as of Thursday morning. And officials say the fire may get much larger.
Changing fire poses huge problems for crews
Stephen Pyne, author of "Pyrocene Park: A Journey into the Fire History of Yosemite National Park," joined The Show to talk more about what fire crews are facing.
Dragon Bravo Fire containment down to 4%
The Dragon Bravo Fire along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim continues to grow, burning over 94,000 acres. The containment level shrunk to 4% as the fire advances to the north. Windy conditions are expected to worsen Wednesday.
Containment shrinks on Dragon Bravo Fire at the North Rim
Fire team spokesman James Ray says no new evacuations are expected, as the bulk of new fire activity is moving northeast through wilderness. But a team is protecting the Kaibab Lodge.
Despite advancing wildfire, Kaibab Lodge owner optimistic
The nearest remaining lodge to Grand Canyon’s North Rim continued to be under threat Monday as firefighters battle the persistent Dragon Bravo Fire.
Dragon Bravo containment down to 13% as fire grows in dry, windy conditions
Record-low humidity caused containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire to recede by 50% overnight.
The now 45,000-acre fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was able to grow due to dry conditions and 25 mph winds that pushed the flames north.
Lisa Jennings with the Incident Management Team says the fire has been jumping containment lines.
“This fire activity is so extreme that we're seeing it throw embers about a mile out of ahead of that front,” Jennings said. “And so while our containment lines aren't stopping the spread of the fire, they're really effective in slowing it down.”
Structural protection crews are monitoring the North Rim entry station and Kaibab Lodge. Officials expect the fire to continue moving northeast throughout Monday.
Dragon Bravo fire threatens Kaibab Lodge
The Dragon Bravo Fire spanned over 44,000 acres on Sunday after several days of critical fire weather on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. The Kaibab Lodge and other infrastructure were at risk.
Dragon Bravo Fire at North Rim is about 25% contained
The Dragon Bravo fire that destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge has now burned nearly 29,000 acres near the North Rim and is still only about a quarter contained.
The other major blaze in Northern Arizona, the White Sage fire, has burned nearly 59-thousand acres just south of the Utah line. It WAS listed as 81% contained on Friday morning.
How to help displaced park staff at the North Rim
Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim community is trying to provide relief to dozens of evacuated park staffers while the White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires burn. Here's what’s next for those looking to help.
Federal officials promise investigation, help rebuilding Grand Canyon Lodge
Gov. Katie Hobbs said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum committed to investigate the federal government’s handling of the Dragon Bravo Fire that’s still burning around the Grand Canyon.
Crews are 'fighting fire with fire' on Dragon Bravo blaze
Wildfires in northern Arizona continue to grow as crews struggle with containment.
The White Sage Fire in the Kaibab National Forest near the Utah border has burned roughly 59,000 acres and is about 61% contained.
The Dragon Bravo Fire on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim has grown to roughly 17,000 acres and is about 26% contained.
Stefan La-Sky with the Incident Management Team says Dragon Bravo crews are using small ignitions along roads, creating a so-called “catcher’s mitt” to stop the fire's spread.
"It’s fighting fire with fire basically. But hoping that that can hold this thing in and it’s gonna be tested over the next few days," La-Sky said.
Over 1,000 combined personnel are responding to both blazes.
Some fire crew members 'thought they were going to die for sure' at North Rim
The Drago Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon began as a small blaze ignited by a lightning strike on July 4. Then, fire managers made a critical decision: They let it burn, using a tactic known as "control and contain." But a week later, the fire was out of control — barreling past containment lines and leaving destruction in its wake.
Longtime Arizona journalist Annette McGivney dives into that decision and its aftermath in a new piece for the Guardian.
Here's an excerpt of her discussion with The Show's Lauren Gilger:
"And so they, you know, changed their plan and they ordered a very abrupt evacuation for park employees and those employees just had to just drop everything and, and leave without being able to prepare. And meanwhile, the park fire crew started hosing down buildings, but I also want to add that the day before, they had extra help with controlling that Dragon Bravo Fire, but they, those with the Forest Service, but the Forest Service firefighters got pulled off to go fight the White Sage Fire."
"So on July 11 when things got out of control, they were, you know, significantly understaffed and so the firefighters started, you know, trying to hose down buildings and, and they realized like things were getting out of control, but by then, it was dark, no helicopter could fly in to evacuate them. The fire was too big to drive out, and so they did take shelter in the fire station, in the residential area of the park. And there were also other crew members that were stranded on a helipad and they were surrounded by flames, you know, that were several stories tall. And they definitely felt they were going to, the ones in the fire station, according to my sources, thought they were going to die for sure."
Crane wants to waive environmental laws for North Rim rebuild
Republican U.S. Rep. Eli Crane says he is trying to fast-track environmental processes in order to rebuild the lodge that burned down on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
Containment grows on White Sage Fire, but hotter weather could worsen Dragon Bravo Fire
Fire crews are making headway on the White Sage Fire in the Kaibab National Forest.
Officials say it’s now 44% contained and progress continues.
“We’re down to 627 personnel, so we’re letting people go which is a good sign," said fire spokesperson Jeff Stebbins. "In a lot of areas of the fire, they’re now engaged in mop up and suppression.”
Meanwhile, the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is 18% contained, but with hotter, drier weather on the way, crews are conducting backburns to keep it from spreading further.
North Rim businesses take hit from wildfires
Canyon Trail Rides, which organizes mule rides through the Grand Canyon, had to refund approximately $100,000 for prepaid reservations.
White Sage Fire has burned more than 58,600 acres
The White Sage Fire has burned more than 58,600 acres near the town of Fredonia, just south of the Arizona/Utah line.
The lightning caused fire is 31% contained — up 4% from Saturday.
Nearly 700 people are working to fight it and no structures have been lost so far.
Highway 89A will remain closed while crews are falling fire-weakened trees and chipping debris to ensure that the road will be safe for travel when it can be re-opened.
Hobbs visits site of the Dragon Bravo Fire
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs visited the site of the Dragon Bravo Fire at Grand Canyon National Park on July 19.
Hobbs has called for an independent investigation into how the fire was able to grow and destroy dozens of structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.
The containment for the Dragon Bravo Fire stands at just 2% percent and has burned nearly 12,000 acres.
Fire activity on the Dragon Bravo Fire is expected to increase over the weekend because of hotter, drier weather.
Crews are continuing to secure infrastructure and remove certain trees from the fire area. Several trails remain closed as well as the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim.
Hobbs was given an aerial tour of the affected areas and taken through the Incident Command Post.
"It’s so devastating. As a lifelong Arizonan, it just is a reminder of the shared stewardship we have of this land and this iconic treasure of the Grand Canyon. So we’re gonna do everything we can to help support managing this fire and then get to rebuilding," said Hobbs.
The lightning-caused fire has burned nearly 13,000 acres and is 8% contained as of Sunday morning.
Hobbs plans to travel to Washington, D.C., where she’ll discuss the fire with leadership at the United States Fire Service and Department of Interior.
Containment increases on White Sage Fire
Of the two wildfires burning in northern Arizona, crews appear to be making more progress in corralling one.
While containment of the White Sage Fire has doubled to 17% in the last day, the Dragon Bravo Fire on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim remains at zero containment.
Officials say the recent rainfall has reduced White Sage Fire’s behavior, though it likely won’t extinguish it. Warm and dry weather conditions are expected to return Saturday.
Highway 89A remains closed.
Meanwhile, the Dragon Bravo Fire’s local weather is trending hotter and drier into the weekend, increasing fire activity. Recent rains didn’t help the firefight.
Crews are evaluating powerline and generator damage to get power restored to the North Rim of the park, where dozens of structures have been destroyed.
Evacuation orders remain in effect, with more info available through the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
South Rim is open, businesses say
Firefighters continue to work to contain two massive wildfires on the North Rim, but businesses on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are urging the public to visit.
AZ Republican who chairs committee overseeing Forest Service calls for investigation
Republican Congressman Paul Gosar has joined the bipartisan call demanding answers about the Dragon Bravo Fire burning on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
Gosar is chair of a House committee responsible for oversight of the Department of Agriculture, the parent agency of the U.S. Forest Service.
White Sage Fire has burned nearly 59,000 acres
The White Sage Fire has burned nearly 59,000 acres and is 9% contained as of Thursday morning.
The area is seeing monsoon activity that fire managers say can either hinder or help them.
Officials say fire fighters are making progress especially along the south side of the fire. Suppression efforts include ground and aerial resources. There was also some precipitation on Wednesday.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Friday, producing rapidly shifting winds that could exceed 50 mph and “dangerous lightning." Heavy rainfall is also expected, which could trigger flash floods in areas burned by the fire.
Dragon Bravo Fire was originally allowed to burn. That's a critical land management tool
Rapidly changing conditions sent the Dragon Bravo Fire from a lightning-sparked wildfire allowed to clear out dense vegetation to blaze that destroyed a historic loge and infrastructure at the Canyon.
It’s not the first time firefighters have been on the losing end of trying to wrangle the forces of nature.
Still, experts say fire is a critical land management tool, pointing to countless examples where the work has paid off.
Hobbs gives update on the Dragon Bravo Fire
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs gave an update on the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon on Wednesday night.
Will Grand Canyon Lodge be rebuilt? Historical society VP worries
Davy Crockett, vice president of the Grand Canyon Historical Society, was on the South Rim as the fires advanced across the canyon, and joined The Show to discuss the future of the burned-down lodge.
Storms could hamper efforts to fight White Sage Fire
Lower temperatures and higher humidity in recent days has helped crews working to contain the White Sage Fire, one of two wildfires burning on the Kaibab Plateau north of the Grand Canyon.
But a new storm system Wednesday could make for dangerous conditions. Fire spokesman Jeff Stebbins.
"We are expecting some monsoonal moisture and storm systems to come in," said fire spokesman Jeff Stebbins. "There likely will not be a lot of rain with those. The concern is shifting, erratic winds for firefighters on the ground."
The forecast calls for increased thunderstorm activity Wednesday afternoon and evening, with winds up to 50 mph and periods of heavy rainfall.
Even with the rain, conditions are not expected to extinguish the White Sage Fire, which has burned 53,000 acres since it was started by lightning a week ago.
Calls for investigation into Dragon Bravo fire widen
Firefighters are trying to contain the Dragon Bravo Fire on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and keep it from destroying more buildings.
Grand Canyon Lodge was already rebuilt once after burning down nearly a century ago
A raging wildfire has destroyed dozens of structures in Grand Canyon National Park, including a beloved historic lodge that was already rebuilt once after burning down nearly a century ago.
For decades, the Grand Canyon Lodge was the only hotel inside the North Rim, a more secluded portion of the park with higher elevation and fewer visitors.
Arizona officials demand answers from federal government
Gov. Katie Hobbs wants an independent federal investigation on the handling of the Dragon Bravo wildfire, which has burned more than 5,700 acres as of Monday.
'You felt like you were in heaven on earth'
The persistent Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona destroyed dozens of buildings this weekend. Perhaps none were more iconic than the Grand Canyon Lodge.
The memories of those who hold the Grand Canyon in their hearts pierced across time this week as news of the damage on the North Rim emerged.
'One final look at it in the present before it was lost'
The Grand Canyon Lodge, known for its huge ponderosa beams, massive limestone facade and a bronze statue of a donkey named “Brighty the Burro,” was perched on the edge of the North Rim and offered sweeping views of the canyon.
Caren Carney was staying at the lodge last week with her husband, parents and 12-year-old son when a park ranger knocked on their door Thursday and told them to evacuate.
She was heartbroken Sunday to hear that such a “magical place” had burned down. After evacuating, the family from Georgia went to the South Rim and could see the blaze from across the canyon.
“I’m so glad we got to have one final look at it in the present before it was lost,” Carney said.
Aramark, the company that operated the lodge, said all employees and guests were safely evacuated.
An original lodge burned down from a kitchen fire in 1932, four years after construction was completed, according to the Grand Canyon Historical Society. The redesigned lodge using the original stonework opened in 1937.
Grand Canyon wildfire was allowed to burn for days before spreading
The wildfire raging along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim that leveled a historic lodge erupted over the weekend after burning for more than a week, raising scrutiny over the National Park Service’s decision not to aggressively attack the fire right away.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for a federal investigation into the Park Service’s handling of the fire, which was sparked by lightning July 4.
“Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park,” the governor said in a social media post Sunday. “The federal government chose to manage that fire as a controlled burn during the driest, hottest part of the Arizona summer.”
Authorities first used a “confine and contain” strategy by clearing fuel sources, but shifted to aggressive suppression as the fire rapidly grew to nearly 8 square miles because of hot temperatures, low humidity and strong wind gusts, fire officials said.
The fire flared up Saturday night, fueled by high winds. Firefighters managed to make progress, using aerial fire retardant drops near the lodge before they had to pull back because of a chlorine gas leak at the water treatment plant, the park service said.
Arizona Highways editor remembers Grand Canyon Lodge
Arizona Highways editor Robert Stieve talked about a nostalgic tradition at the lodge and its history.
North Rim will remain closed for the rest of the season.
A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon's North Rim has been destroyed by a wildfire and Arizona’s governor is blaming the federal government.
The Dragon Bravo fire has burned nearly 6,000 acres and is zero percent contained as of Monday morning.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, built in 1937, was destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire which spread quickly over the weekend.
The park’s superintendent said the visitor center, the gas station, a waste water treatment plant, an administrative building and some employee housing were among more than 70 structures lost. "Numerous" historic cabins in the area also were destroyed.
In a statement, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called the outcome “devastating.” She also criticized the federal government’s response to the wildfire and called for an independent investigation.
Officials say the North Rim will remain closed for the rest of the season.
White Sage Fire grows to 50,000 acres
The White Sage Fire grew to almost 50,000 acres as of Monday morning.
Local evacuations and the closure of U.S. 89A in both directions remain in effect.
Fire officials say around 500 personnel are assisting in the fire suppression and are making progress, though it’s still zero percent contained at this point.
Hobbs releases statement on Dragon Bravo Fire
On Sunday afternoon, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs released the following statement about the Dragon Bravo Fire and the destruction of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge:
“I am incredibly saddened by the destruction of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and my heart goes out to every person impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. As someone who was born and raised in Arizona, I know what the Grand Canyon National Park means to so many people, not just in Arizona, but all over the world, and how devastating it is to see this damage done to one of Arizona’s most cherished landmarks. I thank every firefighter and first responder for their unwavering commitment in taking action to combat the flames, and the state will continue to support and aid in suppressing the fire and protecting Arizonans.
“An incident of this magnitude demands intense oversight and scrutiny into the federal government’s emergency response. They must first take aggressive action to end the wildfire and prevent further damage. But Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park. While the flame was started with a lightning strike, the federal government chose to manage that fire as a controlled burn during the driest, hottest part of the Arizona summer.
“I am calling for the federal government to conduct a comprehensive, thorough, and independent investigation into the management of the Dragon Bravo Fire, and to produce a report detailing the decisions that led to this devastating outcome. As wildfires become more frequent and more intense, Arizona deserves nothing less than an aggressive and proactive emergency response from federal partners to ensure Arizonan’s lives, homes, businesses and natural resources are preserved.”
Bravo Dragon Fire destroys North Rim’s historic Grand Canyon Lodge, other structures
A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon's North Rim has been destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire, the park said Sunday.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging inside the park at the North Rim, was consumed by the flames, park Superintendent Ed Keable told park residents, staff and others in a meeting Sunday morning. He said the visitor center, the gas station, a wastewater treatment plant, an administrative building and some employee housing also were lost.
Two wildfires are burning at or near the North Rim, known as the White Sage Fire and the Bravo Dragon fire. The latter is the one that impacted the lodge and other structures. The park initially was managing it as a controlled burn but then shifted to suppression as it rapidly grew, fire officials said.
Millions of people visit Grand Canyon National Park annually, with most going to the more popular South Rim. The North Rim is open seasonally. It was evacuated last Thursday because of wildfire.
The burning of the water treatment plant resulted in the release of chlorine gas that prompted the evacuation of firefighters and hikers from the inner canyon, park officials said Sunday. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and can quickly settle into lower elevations such as the inner canyon, posing a health risk.
Meanwhile, officials reported progress in battling a second wildfire burning north of the Grand Canyon. Fire lines on the White Sage Fire that forced evacuations at the North Rim and in the community of Jacob Lake were holding, officials said. On the southern edge of the fire, hand crews and bulldozers were working uphill, and the spread of the blaze had been minimal.
But to the east and north, the fire has spread rapidly, with grasses and standing dead trees contributing to the fire’s intensity, officials said. The fire was pushing downhill toward the Vermilion Cliffs area, and crews were assessing opportunities to create buffer zones that help slow or halt the fire’s progress.
White Sage Fire grows to 40,000 acres as second fire breaks out at Grand Canyon
The White Sage Fire has burned more than 40,000 acres near the town of Fredonia, about four miles south of the Arizona/Utah line.
The fire was caused by lightning and is zero percent contained. Officials say more than 500 people are working to fight it.
U.S. 89A remains closed in both directions due to the fire.
Burning just 35 miles south is the Bravo Dragon Fire at Grand Canyon National Park. That fire has burned about 5,000 acres.
Lightning-caused fire reaches 19,000 acres
The White Sage Fire has burned more than 19,000 acres near the town of Fredonia, about four miles south of the Arizona/Utah line.
The fire was caused by lightning and is zero percent contained.
The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed the U.S. 89-A in both directions due to the fire.
Evacuation notices have been issued for areas north and south of Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Fire officials say they're bringing in a complex incident management team Sunday)with more resources, like engines, crews, and aviation support.
102-year-old Jacob Lake Inn guests, employees evacuated
“Gusty and erratic winds” spread the flames of the White Sage Fire on Thursday afternoon and inhibited firefighters from containing the blaze, Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Rachel Carnahan said.
By Friday afternoon, it had burned about 13.5 square miles with zero containment, and dark clouds of smoke had settled over the Grand Canyon.
Melinda Rich, whose family owns the 102-year-old Jacob Lake Inn known for its homemade cookies, evacuated 75 employees Thursday and guests in about 35 cabins that were rented out at the time.
“It’s tricky for us because we were half booked and now we have to refund all of those things, and that’s a challenge financially for us,” she said. “But you also feel bad for the people who, this might be their first time at the canyon.”
Some guests had just checked in when the inn got a call from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office saying everyone should leave immediately, Rich said. The staff began calling and emailing guests who were out exploring, she said.
Even as smoke rose around them, the evacuation felt precautionary because of the wind direction, Rich said. In 2020, a wildfire came within 20 feet of some cabins.
“We had one of those incredible, miraculous moments, a lot of prayers and then wind adjusted just enough that it passed us by about a mile,” she said.
500 visitors evacuated Thursday night
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office said it helped evacuate people from an area north of Jacob Lake and campers in the Kaibab National Forest nearby.
The fire began Wednesday evening after a thunderstorm moved through the area, fire officials said.
About 500 visitors who planned to stay in the park overnight were evacuated Thursday night, Grand Canyon spokesperson Joelle Baird said.
Employees and residents on the North Rim were told to shelter in place.
Fire size increases with zero containment
The fire had scorched more than 13 square miles with zero containment on Friday afternoon.
Grand Canyon's wildfire closure joins Colorado's Black Canyon
Visitors and staff at two national parks in the U.S. West have been evacuated because of wildfires.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, about 260 miles southwest of Denver, closed Thursday morning after lighting sparked blazes on both rims, the park said. The wildfire on the South Rim has burned 2.5 square miles, with no containment of the perimeter.
The conditions there have been ripe for wildfire with hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation, the park said, adding that weather will remain a concern Friday.
The Grand Canyon's North Rim in Arizona also closed Thursday because of a wildfire on adjacent Bureau of Land Management land near Jacob Lake.
North Rim of Grand Canyon closed due to wildfire
National Park Officials have closed the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as a wildfire burns near the town of Fredonia, about 4 miles south of the Arizona-Utah line.
The fire has scorched about 1.5 square miles with zero containment.
The so-called White Sage Fire is said to be moving toward Jacob Lake, a small unincorporated community on the Kaibab Plateau in Coconino County.
Nearby residents and Kaibab National Forest campers have been evacuated. Visitors to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park have also been made to leave.
The fire was believed to be caused by a lightning strike on Wednesday.
Officials say it is not related to the lightning-caused Dragon Bravo Fire, which fire managers are allowing to burn south of the Kaibab Plateau.