From Chricago Tribune news services
Published June 25, 2006

SEDONA, ARIZONA — A 15,500-acre wildfire in Grand Canyon National Park prompted officials to close several roads, blocking the exits for an unknown number of tourists on the North Rim on Saturday (June 24, 2006) as crews worked on a plan to escort visitors out of the park as soon as possible.
The blaze, which had not threatened any property, was allowed to burn since it was discovered June 8 in the Kaibab National Forest after a series of lightning strikes.
But strong winds pushed the flames into areas without fire lines and forced the roads closed Saturday morning, said a spokesman with the team fighting the fire.
Near Sedona, dozens of residents who were evacuated from scenic Oak Creek Canyon a week ago returned to their homes Saturday.