Massive Wildfires Sweep Grand Canyon: Mass Evacuations and Severe Damage

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Devastating wildfires have swept through the Grand Canyon area, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists.

Two major fires, the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire, are burning near the North Rim, causing significant damage to historic buildings and the iconic natural environment.

The White Sage Fire, sparked by a lightning strike on July 9, has burned thousands of acres and remains uncontained.

Meanwhile, the Dragon Bravo Fire, sparked by lightning on July 4, has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, along with dozens of other buildings on the North Rim, including the visitor center, a gas station, and a wastewater treatment plant.

The situation is exacerbated by extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds, which are accelerating the spread of the fires.

An extreme heat warning has been issued, and hiking in the Grand Canyon is strongly discouraged.

Thousands of residents and tourists have been evacuated from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, a less popular area than the South Rim.

Evacuations have also been issued for firefighters and hikers within the canyon due to potential exposure to chlorine gas from a damaged wastewater treatment plant.The damage caused by the fire is significant.

In addition to the Grand Canyon Lodge, dozens of other buildings were destroyed, including several historic structures.

The burned area covers thousands of hectares, turning the once-green landscape into ash.Firefighters continue to fight the fire from the ground and air.

However, extreme weather conditions pose a significant challenge.

The firefighting strategy has shifted from "controlled burning" to "full suppression" due to the rapid spread of the fire.

Extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds continue to exacerbate the fire situation in the Grand Canyon.

An extreme heat warning has been issued, and hiking in the Grand Canyon is strongly discouraged due to the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon has been temporarily closed and is likely to remain closed until the end of the season.

This closure has had a significant impact on the local tourism industry, which relies heavily on tourist visits during the summer season.

While most residents and tourists have been safely evacuated, one hiker reportedly died from heat exhaustion before the fire spread.

The potential dangers of chlorine gas exposure are also a serious concern for firefighters and rescue teams.

Firefighters continue to battle the blaze from the ground and air, hoping to control it before it spreads further.

However, unfavorable weather conditions are making this task extremely difficult.

The long-term impact of this fire on the Grand Canyon ecosystem remains unknown.

The fire can cause soil erosion, loss of wildlife habitat, and changes in vegetation composition.

This incident highlights the impact of climate change and extreme weather on the environment and tourism.

The Grand Canyon, one of the world's natural wonders, is now facing a serious threat from increasingly frequent wildfires.