Hurricane Valley Fire crews help fight White Sage Fire near Grand Canyon

HURRICANE, Utah (ABC4) — Hurricane Valley firefighters have been deployed to the White Sage Fire, which is exhibiting “extreme fire behavior” as it covers over 40,000 acres near Grand Canyon.

Nearly 400 personnel have been assigned to the wildfire, which started 1.5 miles from White Sage, Ariz. — around 15 miles south of Fredonia, Ariz. The blaze has burned 40,186 acres and is 0% contained at this time, according to an incident update on Sunday.

Hurricane Valley firefighters are heading to Arizona to help fight the blaze amid the extreme heat. Their help arrives alongside more 500 personnel with the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 6, which includes aerial resources.

“Brush 471 has been deployed to the White Sage Fire near the Grand Canyon,” Hurricane Valley Fire & Rescue posted on Facebook. “We wish the crew a safe and successful assignment as they work to help contain this incident.”

The Bureau of Land Management first received reports of smoke Wednesday night, July 9, following a thunderstorm that moved through the White Sage area. The wildfire has now been determined to be lightning-caused.

Evacuations have since been issued in Coconino County, Ariz. Information regarding evacuation areas can be found here. A map of the wildfire perimeter is available below.

Here’s the current situation

The fire reportedly continues to exhibit extreme fire behavior. This is being driven by steady winds in very hot and dry conditions. Crews continued work Saturday to secure the fire perimeter near the fire’s origin, with the focus on the White Sage community, fire officials said.

“Thanks to the efforts of the initial responders and Color Country Incident Team 1, no structures were lost in the White Sage community,” the update states. “Crews are also working from the 248 road working back to the west to 89A in the vicinity of Lonesome Ranch.”

Firefighter and public safety are top priority, officials said. The BLM will continue working with Coconino County Emergency Management on evacuations and closures.

The Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 6 is arriving today, July 13, and will assume command of the fire. Fire managers are asking the public to avoid the area to allow resources uninhibited access to manage the situation.

“Highway 89A is closed at Fredonia and at House Rock Valley Road. Coconino County Sherriff’s Office and Coconino County Emergency Management have issued evacuation notices for the areas north and south of Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park,” the update states. “Area closures are in effect for BLM Arizona Strip and Kaibab National Forest’s North Kaibab Ranger District.”

Firefighters have seen large fire growth in the White Sage Fire. This growth is expected to continue, especially in the Mangum Fire Scar in the east, officials said.