Overview

• A south rim fire in Black Canyon of the Gunnison has scorched 1,640 acres with zero containment and the White Sage Fire near Jacob Lake has burned about 1,000 acres at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim without containment progress.
• Both national parks remain closed until further notice and all staff and visitors have been evacuated, including roughly 500 people from the North Rim.
• Incident Management Team San Juan Team 8 has taken command of firefighting operations, supplementing park rangers and the Colorado State Patrol with aerial mapping, retardant drops and ground attacks.
• A red flag warning is in effect for gusty winds up to 50 mph, low humidity and dry fuels, and forecasts call for dry lightning that could spark new fires.
• Fire officials warn that with no containment and severe weather risks persisting, further fire growth and extended closures are likely