PHOENIX — From the White Sage Fire near the Grand Canyon growing exponentially to to emergency crews rescuing several stranded hikers, here are some of the top Arizona news stories from July 11-13.
White Sage Fire north of Grand Canyon grows exponentially, evacuations remain in place
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.
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.
Emergency crews rescue 7 people from Arizona hiking trail
Several people had to be rescued due to heat-related issues while on a Arizona hiking trail Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Rescue crews responded to a call regarding two lost hikers near Devil’s Bridge Trail in Sedona, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. The hikers had run out of water and took a wrong turn while on the trail.
As rescue crews were helping the two hikers get back on the trailhead, they received a call regarding more hikers needing to be rescued on the trail.
Dragon Bravo Fire at Grand Canyon park destroys dozens of structures
The Dragon Bravo Fire at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park intensified over the weekend, destroying several 50-80 structures.
Officials said a historic lodge was destroyed, as well as a visitor center, gas station, employee housing and other structures. No injuries have occurred and staff and residents were evacuated prior to the fire spreading.
Officials said Sunday morning the wildfire had burned 5,000 acres with 0% containment.
Silver Alert canceled after 81-year-old man from Pima County located
A Silver Alert for an 81-year-old man from Pima County who went missing in late June was canceled on Sunday.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed he had been located but no other information was available.
James Gutekunst was last seen on foot off of Interstate 19 south of Tucson between June 22-28. The alert was issued in Maricopa County on Friday.
Mexican national arrested, accused of employing illegal immigrants at Valley taco shops
A Mexican national accused of employing at least a dozen illegal immigrants at Valley taco shops and housing them was arrested, the District of Arizona for the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Friday.
Blademir Angulo Audeves, 42, was detained without incident at his home on Tuesday. Three firearms and hundreds of rounds were among the items found at the home.
Because he did not have legal permission to be in the U.S. at the time of his arrest, the firearm and ammunition possession was illegal.
The post Weekend wrap: Here are the biggest Arizona news stories from July 11-13 appeared first on KTAR.
