Fire in Zion National Park leads to partial trail closure

ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah (AP) - Officials say a section of a popular trail in southern Utah’s Zion National Park is closed because of a wildfire.

A statement from the park said Sunday the lightning-caused fire has burned most of the top of Cathedral Mountain but isn’t threatening anything.

Park spokesman David Eaker says the lower section of the West Rim Trail had to be blocked off Saturday because of falling debris from the fire.

This section is used by park visitors to get to the Angels Landing Trail.

Eaker says it will reopen once park firefighters determine it is safe.

The 50-acre fire started Friday and flames and smoke are visible from numerous places in Zion Canyon.

Firefighters are allowing it to burn for now and say fire activity is moderate.