BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK — Two lighting-sparked fires forced the evacuation of campers and staff at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, National Park Service (NPS) leaders said in a news release Thursday.
"High temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds, and very dry vegetation across the region have led to extreme fire danger at Black Canyon," the NPS said.
The South Rim Fire at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has burned 1, 640 acres and is currently 0% contained, according to the NPS.
It began around 11:39 a.m. Thursday, burning in pinyon pine and juniper, mixed with sage and grass.
Colorado State Patrol was called to help evacuation campgrounds in the national forest area of the park Thursday. All park visitors, back-country hikers and park staff are accounted for, according to the NPS.
The park's North Rim, South Rim and East Portal areas have closed to all visitors as a precaution. There's no estimated time for the park's reopening at this time, the NPS said.
“Do not enter the park until further notice. Updates will be provided when more information is available,” the NPS said.
Montrose County is currently in a Stage 1 Fire restriction. While the park was evacuated Thursday, the NPS said there are no active evacuation orders for residents of Montrose County.
The NPS advised residents remain aware and prepared to evacuate, though, should conditions change.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control also responded Thursday to a fire on the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. First responders closed off Highway 347 at the junction of Highway 50 to access the fire area.
Firefighters are using retardant drops in an attempt to prevent the fires from spreading farther, accoridng to the NPS.An Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire Friday morning.
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