The Mangum fire burning north of Grand Canyon National Park on Thursday, June 11, 2020 |NPS Photo

Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily closed the North Rim until further notice due to the Mangum Fire, which is raging in the Kaibab National Forest, but has yet to reach the park’s borders.

The Mangum Fire began on June 8, and is estimated at 10,813 acres with 2% containment. SR 89A is closed between Bitter Springs and Fredonia, AZ. SR 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of the park is also closed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but blistering southwest winds and low relative humidity have increased fire activity over the last several days and are predicted to continue through the weekend.

Smoke from the Mangum Fire is visible from both the North and South Rims of the park. Visitors may see increased smoke or haze filling the canyon. Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place for Grand Canyon National Park, which includes no open fires including campfires, charcoal, or wood-fueled flames. Gasoline or propane stoves remain allowed if operated in an area clear of vegetation. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Additional daily updates can be found at the Mangum Fire Inciweb incident the Kaibab National Forest website or the Grand Canyon National Park.