WHITE SAGE, AZ (AZFamily) — A wildfire burning in the Kaibab National Forest is prompting highway closures and forcing more evacuations along the northern rim of the Grand Canyon.
In an update on Friday morning, Coconino County said that the following areas were in “GO” evacuation status:
- Immediate area of Jacob Lake
- All areas north of Jacob Lake
- All areas south of Jacob Lake to Forest Service Road 212
- All North Rim Grand Canyon visitors
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, as of Friday morning.
Lightning sparked the White Sage Fire on Wednesday around 7 p.m., about 15 miles southeast of Fredonia and is moving toward Jacob Lake. The Bureau of Land Management has estimated the fire at 1,000 acres with no containment.
“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,” the National Park Service said on its website.
Air attack support arrived Thursday as ground crews continue to battle the blaze.
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