As the government shutdown threatens the day-to-day operations of national parks across the U.S., one of America's most-visited national parks is facing a new problem.

A wildfire has ignited in Zion National Park, Utah , forcing the closure of two roads and numerous hiking trails. The fire, caused by lightning strikes after a particularly dry summer, is escalating quickly. While no structures are at risk, the fire is just one more challenge during an already difficult time for the national park.

With Zion National Park already understaffed because of the shutdown and the fire difficult to access in the best of conditions, many worry that the quickly growing wildfire could cause major damage to the park before it is put out.

The Blue Creek Fire Has Forced Major Closures In Zion Nationa

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