Latest news with #GunnisonNationalPark
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Colorado officials plan evacuation zone near North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Firefighters in Colorado are planning an evacuation zone along the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park's North Rim as part of their continuing efforts to bring the South Rim Fire under control. The Montrose County Sheriff's Office said the zone is only for strategic planning purposes and there is no active fire danger in the area at this time. "Fire modeling predicts a very low probability the South Rim Fire would cause spot fires across the canyon; however, they want a plan in place in event the fire behavior changes," said the sheriff's office. As of 12:42 a.m. Saturday, the fire is estimated to have burned 4,252 acres. Fire crews are working to protect structures near the fire line by clearing brush, removing fuels around the buildings and the surrounding areas and setting up hose lines and portable water tanks. Evacuation zone eight will include the private property located just north of the national park's boundary on the North Rim. Authorities said that if a fire does start on the North Rim, residents and landowners will receive an alert from Montrose County Alerts. Officials asked those who live from Fruitland Mesa to the North Rim to sign up for the alerts. Residents of Delta County are encouraged to sign up for Delta County Alerts.
Washington Post
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Washington Post
Wildfires force evacuation of visitors and staff at 2 national parks in US West
JACOB LAKE, Ariz. — Visitors and staff at two national parks in the U.S. West have been evacuated because of wildfires. Gunnison National Park, about 260 miles (418 kilometers) southwest of Denver, closed Thursday morning after lighting sparked blazes on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon, the park said. The wildfire has burned 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers), with no containment of the perimeter.
Associated Press
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
Wildfires force evacuation of visitors and staff at 2 national parks in US West
JACOB LAKE, Ariz. (AP) — Visitors and staff at two national parks in the U.S. West have been evacuated because of wildfires. Gunnison National Park, about 260 miles (418 kilometers) southwest of Denver, closed Thursday morning after lighting sparked blazes on both the North Rim and South Rim of the Black Canyon, the park said. The wildfire has burned 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers), with no containment of the perimeter. The conditions there have been ripe for wildfire with hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation, the park said, adding that weather will remain a concern Friday. The Grand Canyon's North Rim in Arizona also closed Thursday because of a wildfire on adjacent Bureau of Land Management land near Jacob Lake. The Coconino County Sheriff's Office said it helped evacuate people from an area north of Jacob Lake and campers in the Kaibab National Forest nearby. The fire began Wednesday evening after a thunderstorm moved through the area, fire officials said. It has burned about 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) with zero containment.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Lighting-caused wildfires closes Black Canyon; Evacuations underway
MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) — Fires near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park have closed the area. The two lightning-caused fires are confirmed to be actively burning: one near the south entrance of Black Canyon and one near the north rim. Evacuations have been put in place at the park and nearby communities. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is assisting in evacuations. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has responded. It is unknown what other agencies are responding. Reportedly, a helicopter has been called in to assist. Highway 347 at the junction of Highway 50 has been closed. It is advised that the public avoid the area for firefighting personnel and equipment to access the fires. WesternSlopeNews will update this story as it develops. Updates: 7:29 p.m. – Previously reported 'Officials told WesternSlopeNow that there have been considerations of closing Highway 347' has been updated for confirmed highway closures. 1:40 p.m. – Added cause of fire to headline and article 1:33 p.m. – Added information about the location of the fires and CSP assisting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
