Fire triggers evacuations near Grand Canyon

In the United States, a fast-moving wildfire near the Grand Canyon's North Rim has forced a full evacuation and destroyed key infrastructure.

Park authorities said Sunday that the Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging inside the park at the North Rim, had been destroyed by the flames, and evacuation orders were issued.

The blaze, dubbed the Dragon Bravo Fire, rapidly grew to more than 20 square kilometers, consuming the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, visitor center, administrative offices, and a wastewater treatment plant.

Park authorities evacuated all staff and approximately 500 visitors from the North Rim, which opens seasonally.

The wastewater plant fire triggered a chlorine gas leak, leading officials to restrict access to inner canyon trails until air quality is verified.

Nearby crews are also battling the White Sage Fire, which has burned over 40,000 acres north of the park.