Highway closures and evacuations remain in effect as a wildfire burns more than 49,000 acres in Coconino County. It is one of two blazes raging at or near the northern rim of the Grand Canyon.

Highway closures and evacuations remain in effect as a wildfire burns more than 51,000 acres in far northern Coconino County. It is one of two blazes raging at or near the northern rim of the Grand Canyon.

Officials have closed the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as the White Sage Fire burns near the town of Fredonia. Just 35 miles south, the Bravo Dragon Fire has destroyed structures inside the park.

Authorities maintained the evacuation zones for the White Sage Fire north of the Grand Canyon as the fire grew expectantly.

The visitor center and a wastewater treatment plant were among the 50 to 80 structures lost, the park superintendent said. The area was evacuated Thursday.