MONTROSE, Colo. — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in southwestern Colorado is closed due to wildfires, the park said on its website . The fires were caused by lightning strikes Thursday morning, the park said. All visitors and staff were evacuated, and no one will be allowed to enter until further notice.

Firefighters are trying to contain several more fires on the Western Slope, and air quality alerts are in effect for much of the state.

A wildfire that's burning in the southern part of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado has grown to more than 1,600 acres. It has damaged some park equipment and several outbuildings.