BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — Two lighting-sparked fires forced the evacuation of campers and staff at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, National Park Service officials said in a news release Thursday.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control earlier said one of their engines was responding to one of the fires on the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. They added the Colorado State Patrol had been called to help them evacuate campgrounds in the national forest area of the park.
At least two active wildfires were burning: One near the south entrance of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and one near the north rim, fire officials said.
First responders closed off Highway 347 at the junction of Highway 50.
The park closed to all visitors as a precaution. “Do not enter the park until further notice. Updates will be provided when more information is available,” National Park Service (NPS) officials said.
"High temperatures, very low humidity, gusty winds, and very dry vegetation across the region have led to extreme fire danger at Black Canyon," NPS officials said.
Montrose County is currently in a Stage 1 Fire restriction, NPS officials said.
This is a breaking, developing news story and will be updated.
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