North Rim of Grand Canyon ordered to evacuate due to White Sage Fire

FREDONIA, Ariz. (ABC4) — Visitors on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are required to evacuate immediately due to the advancing of the White Sage Fire.

The White Sage Fire is located around 15 miles southeast of Fredonia and is moving towards Jacob Lake, Arizona, which is under evacuation orders. The fire began about 1.5 miles from White Sage, Arizona.

According to a social media post, evacuees should travel calmly at a normal rate of speed and stay on paved roads. Highway 89A to Fredonia is closed, but Highway 89A east towards Lees Ferry and Page is still open.

Visitors can find more information about instructions from park staff and additional updates on the park website here.

The White Sage Fire was discovered in the evening of June 8 following a thunderstorm, and officials determined that it was caused by lightning. It is currently estimated at 1,000 acres, and it is active, 0% contained.

This fire is separate and unrelated to the Dragon Bravo Fire, another lightning-caused fire on the south side of the basin. It is currently estimated to be 120 acres in size, and it is burning in a remote area south of the Basin near the W1 road, according to the National Park Service. The Dragon Bravo Fire currently does not pose a threat to public safety or structures.