The provided text describes the impact of wildfires on Grand Canyon National Park and surrounding areas. Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
Grand Canyon National Park Evacuations:
South Rim: The entire region was under evacuation order due to wildfires.
North Rim: This section of the park was already evacuated last Thursday due to wildfire and will remain closed for the rest of the season.
Inner Canyon: Firefighters and hikers were evacuated from the inner canyon due to the release of chlorine gas from a burning water treatment plant. This gas poses a health risk as it settles in lower elevations.
Colorado River: Rafters were instructed to bypass Phantom Ranch.
Impact on Grand Canyon Lodge:
The Grand Canyon Lodge, a significant landmark for visitors, was affected.
All employees and guests were safely evacuated.
The company operating the lodge,Aramark,expressed devastation over the loss.
The lodge had a history, with an original structure burning down in 1932 and a redesigned version opening in 1937.
Second Wildfire (white Sage Fire):
This fire is burning north of the Grand Canyon and forced evacuations in the North Rim and Jacob Lake.
Progress is being made, with fire lines holding.
* However, the fire is spreading rapidly to the east and north due to dry grasses and dead trees, pushing downhill towards the Vermilion Cliffs area. Crews are working to create buffer zones to slow its progress.Overall Situation:
Wildfires are causing significant disruptions and evacuations in and around Grand Canyon National Park, impacting both the natural environment and visitor infrastructure. The release of chlorine gas adds a specific health hazard to the situation.
