Wildfires Prompt Evacuations Near Grand Canyon

Rapid wildfires in the northwestern area of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park are forcing local residents to evacuate and have resulted in the closure of the park’s northern edge.

The fire, sparked by lightning on July 9, 2025, has consumed approximately 1,000 acres of land near Lake Jacob.

Currently, the situation remains uncontrolled, with officials indicating that the containment is at “0%.” The situation is further exacerbated by high temperatures and dry vegetation, creating a very precarious environment, according to park officials.

As conditions deteriorate, authorities expect temperatures to soar to about 115°F (46°C) on July 10 and are advising against hiking in the Grand Canyon.

Emergency crews are actively combating the flames on the ground using flame retardants.

In an alert issued Thursday, Grand Canyon Park staff announced that, “All North Rim visitors must evacuate immediately due to the fire threatening Lake Jacob, which is currently under an evacuation order.”

The Interagency Fire Department for the Upper Colorado River reported they are “working diligently with partners to respond to about 10 wildfires triggered by lightning throughout the dispatch area.”

It’s worth noting that the wildfire risk extends beyond just Arizona.