Springdale • A growing fire has forced the closure of a popular backpacking trail and a scenic road in Zion National Park, park officials said Wednesday.

Flames were first reported in the West Rim area of the park around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a news release from the park service. The fire spread to 25 acres as of Wednesday afternoon, leading to the closure of Lava Point Road and the West Rim Trail between Scout Lookout and Lava Point, the park service said.

A lightning strike caused the fire, according to the park service.

Twenty-five wildland firefighters from the National Park Service and partner agencies are tackling the fire. One helicopter has also been deployed and is conducting water drops.

During the federal government shutdown, the National Park Service has furl

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