Two lightning strikes sparked wildfires Thursday in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, forcing an evacuation and closure.

Lori Rome, a spokesperson for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, said one fire started near the Kneeling Camel Overlook, and the other was near the west boundary of the park.  

The National Park Service said the park has been evacuated and advised anyone who plans to visit the park to stay away. 

Access to the Black Canyon via U.S. 50 is closed, according to the National Park Service.

There was no information as to the acreage impacted by the fire as of 2:30 p.m., Rome said.

The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office is posting Facebook updates of the wildfire as they become available. 

Chaffee County fires

An active structure fire and a wildfire in the area of Mountain View Estates north of Buena Vista on Thursday afternoon has forced a mandatory evacuation notice.

A pre-evacuation notice was issued for the surrounding 5 miles. All evacuees can report to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office at 200 Steele Drive in Buena Vista, according to a social media post by the Sheriff’s Office.

Four structures have burned, according to reports. Read more here.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.