The South Rim Fire near Gunnison grew to almost 3,000 acres Saturday morning after its growth and lack of containment forced the closure of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on Friday, when it was about 1,

Rapid growth on the South Rim fire in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park forced immediate evacuations in Montrose County on Saturday afternoon.

The fire burning thousands of acres in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park saw “rapid fire spread” Sunday evening due to a wind event in the area, officials said. The South Rim Fire has burned more than 3,

Wildfires at U.S. national parks are prompting evacuations and causing major disruptions as the effects of climate change are impacting the tourism season.

A wildfire that's burning in the southern part of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado has grown to more than 1,600 acres. It has damaged some park equipment and several outbuildings.

MONTROSE, Colo. — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in southwestern Colorado is closed due to wildfires, the park said on its website . The fires were caused by lightning strikes Thursday morning, the park said. All visitors and staff were evacuated, and no one will be allowed to enter until further notice.

Crews are working to control two fires in the park, one on each end, that are burning up dry fuel amid gusty winds and temperatures in the 90s

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a popular outdoor destination in western Colorado, was closed to the public after a wildfire on the South Rim rapidly doubled in size.

Wildfires have forced evacuations at two U.S. national parks in the West as summer monsoon storms increase lightning in the region.