Raging Wildfire in Arizona burns toward Grand Canyon
Pastor Dale Morgan
Raging Wildfire in Arizona burns toward Grand Canyon*
30 Apr 2008 17:04:48 GMT
Source: Reuters
PHOENIX, April 30 (Reuters) - Firefighters are battling a forest fire
burning out of control toward the Grand Canyon, fanned by strong winds
and dry conditions, authorities said on Wednesday.
The so-called X Fire has burned 2,000 acres (810 hectares) of the Kaibab
National Forest in northern Arizona, and was burning toward the Grand
Canyon National Park early on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the forest
service said.
"The fire is not contained at this time. It's still windy and moisture
levels are low so we are concerned," said Margaret Hangan, a spokeswoman
for the Kaibab National Forest.
Hangan said the fire was about a mile (1.6 km) south of the Grand Canyon
National Park boundary. There was no immediate threat to any buildings
or visitor facilities, and the park remained open, she added.
The Grand Canyon is one of the biggest tourist draws in the United
States, and attracts some five million visitors each year.
(Editing by Sandra Maler)