Grand Canyon partially evacuated due to spreading wildfire

The spread of a forest fire forced the evacuation of a part of the famous Grand Canyon, in the southwestern United States, this Friday (11), and authorities asked visitors to remain calm.

The spread of the White Sage fire, which started about 50 km north of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, has prompted the evacuation of visitors to the North Rim.

"Evacuees should travel calmly, at normal speeds, and remain on paved roads only. Daytime use of the North Rim is closed until further notice," the National Park Service (NPS) said.

The South Rim of the park, the most touristy, remains accessible.

Jon Paxton, a spokesman for the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, told AFP that authorities evacuated about 40 people and that many visitors had left.

"There's a hotel and some businesses in the exit zone, but they evacuated before we arrived. Most of the people we evacuated were campers," he explained.

The fire is burning outside Grand Canyon National Park, but is approaching Jacob Lake, Arizona, a town known as the gateway to the North Rim.

The White Sage Fire has burned about 400 hectares (1,000 acres) and is still not under control, according to authorities, who released images of large columns of smoke rising over the scrubland of the desert landscape.

The Grand Canyon, a reddish gorge carved by the Colorado River, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, with nearly five million visitors a year.

Another national park in the Southwest, Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado, was completely evacuated on Thursday due to another wildfire.

The latter, caused by lightning, has already devastated more than 600 hectares, fueled by strong winds, very dry vegetation and very high temperatures.

A severe weather warning was also issued this week for the Grand Canyon National Park, with temperatures expected to top 46°C in the shade in some places.

On Tuesday, a 67-year-old hiker was found dead in the park. While the investigation continues, initial evidence suggests his death was heat-related.