The flames fired by a July 4th lightning strike on the Warhalla Plateau contain only 12% as of Sunday, despite a 24-hour effort by 1,214 firefighters supported by helicopters and large air tankers.
Over 900 people, 54 trail mules and staff are evacuated safely. Since mid-July, firefighters have used alumni forest roads, canyon walls and debris from previous burns, Xinhua Newsletter reported.
Meteorologists expect monsoon moisture to drift through northern Arizona by the middle of the week, increasing humidity and providing shower opportunities, the latest fire briefing said.
Official records show that the fire began as a smoldering on July 4th, then escalated dramatically the following day. By July 10th, authorities had evacuated 500 visitors as the threat intensified.
This situation became important on July 12th, as strong winds spread rapidly throughout the lodge area. The next day, the U.S. National Park Service confirmed that Grand Canyon Lodge, a stone dining room, dozens of pines sided tourist cabins and several utility buildings had been consumed within two hours.
By July 31st, the fire had exceeded 400 square kilometers, making it one of the 10 largest wildfires in Arizona’s history.
Officials have warned that full containment could still be weeks away, depending on weather, fuel moisture and fire behavior, the report added.
MA/PR