WHITE SAGE, AZ (AZFamily) — Highway closures and evacuations remain in effect as a wildfire burns more than 49,000 acres in far northern Coconino County. It is one of two blazes raging at or near the northern rim of the Grand Canyon.
Lightning sparked the White Sage Fire late Wednesday, about 15 miles southeast of Fredonia. As of Monday morning, officials confirmed that dry conditions and erratic winds have since allowed the wildfire to burn 49,286 acres with 0% containment.
Additional resources have responded as work continues to protect the communities of White Sage, Lonesome and Jacob Lake. On Sunday, Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) and Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) dropped 179,597 gallons of fire retardant along the northern and southern perimeters to slow the spread. Officials report the line is holding well on the west side of the fire near its point of origin.
Forestry officials say extreme fire behavior pushed the fire southward across Highway 89A near House Rock Valley on Sunday, making it the most active edge of the incident. Monday’s weather is expected to be similar to Sunday’s, with gusty winds possible.
Nearby wildfire destroys Grand Canyon lodge
The Dragon Bravo Fire, which has burned about 5,000 acres as of Sunday, destroyed 50 to 80 buildings at the Grand Canyon’s northern rim, including a historic lodge, a water treatment plant, visitor center and gas station.
Grand Canyon officials said the wildfire forced it to close visitor access to the North Rim through the end of the season.
Park officials previously evacuated about 500 guests on Friday before ultimately forcing employees and residents to also leave.
Crews had reported Saturday that a water treatment plant had caught fire, causing chlorine gas to be released from the facility which prompted health concerns for those who remained on the inner canyon.
All river trips had been instructed to bypass Phantom Ranch, the National Park Service said. North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and the South Kaibab Trail remain closed until further notice.
Meanwhile, those living in Marble Canyon, Lees Ferry, and a small area of the Navajo Nation are advised that they may also smell the chlorine.
Evacuation orders and road closures
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said the following area must evacuate:
- North boundary: Utah Border
- East boundary: House Rock Valley Road/Buffalo Ranch Road
- West boundary: Kaibab National Forest Boundary
- South boundary: Grand Canyon National Park
Southbound U.S. 89A is closed at state Route 389 in Fredonia, while northbound U.S. 89A is closed at U.S. 89 in Bitter Springs.
“Evacuees should travel calmly at a normal rate of speed and stay on paved roads only. North Rim day use is closed until further notice,” NPS said on its website.
Air attack support arrived Thursday as ground crews continue to gain control of the wildfire. Approximately 467 fire personnel are battling the blaze as of Monday morning. For a detailed map, click/tap here.
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