Wildfire burns toward Grand Canyon

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The so-called X Fire has burned 2,000 acres of the Kaibab National Forest in northern Arizona, and was burning toward the Grand Canyon National Park early on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the forest service said.

PHOENIX (Reuters) - Firefighters are battling a forest fire burning out of control toward the Grand Canyon, fanned by strong winds and dry conditions, authorities said on Wednesday.

The so-called X Fire has burned 2,000 acres of the Kaibab National Forest in northern Arizona, and was burning toward the Grand Canyon National Park early on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the forest service said.

"The fire is not contained at this time. It's still windy and moisture levels are low so we are concerned," said Margaret Hangan, a spokeswoman for the Kaibab National Forest.

Hangan said the fire was about a mile south of the Grand Canyon National Park boundary. There was no immediate threat to any buildings or visitor facilities, and the park remained open, she added.

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The Grand Canyon is one of the biggest tourist draws in the United States, and attracts some five million visitors each year.

(Editing by Sandra Maler)