Two national parks in the U.S. West were evacuated due to wildfires ignited by lightning. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park closed after a fire burned 2.5 square miles on the South Rim, with no containment reported. Conditions favorable for wildfires included hot temperatures and low humidity. Firefighters managed to protect the visitor center from the blaze. Similarly, the Grand Canyon's North Rim was closed due to a wildfire nearby. Approximately 500 visitors were evacuated from the park, while employees sheltered in place.
The wildfire on the South Rim has burned 2.5 square miles, with no containment of the perimeter. The park is closed until further notice.
Firefighters saved the visitor center along the South Rim by removing dry vegetation and coating the building in a layer of protective material.
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.
About 500 visitors who planned to stay in the park overnight were evacuated Thursday night, Grand Canyon spokesperson Joelle Baird said.
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