White Sage Fire north of Grand Canyon grows exponentially, evacuations remain in place

PHOENIX – The White Sage Fire north of the Grand Canyon grew exponentially over the weekend as evacuation orders remained in place. 

“GO” evacuations were first ordered Thursday afternoon as the lightning-caused wildfire spread in the Jacob Lake area.

The updated evacuation zone boundaries, per the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, are as follows:

• North: Arizona-Utah border.
• East: House Rock Valley Road/Buffalo Ranch Road.
• West: Kaibab National Forest boundary.
• South: Grand Canyon National Park.

The Grand Canyon North Rim was evacuated and closed for day use indefinitely as part of Thursday’s response to the White Sage Fire.

How large is the White Sage Fire?

The White Sage Fire began about 15 miles southeast of Fredonia after a thunderstorm Wednesday evening.

Sunday morning, officials said the wildfire had burned through 40,186 acres with no containment. It was over double the 19,153 acres reported on Saturday. 

Both directions of U.S. Highway 89A are closed between Fredonia and Jacob Lake.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on July 10, 2025.

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