Wildfires force evacuations at two national parks in the US west

Visitors and staff at Arizona's Grand Canyon and Colorado's Black Canyon national park were evacuated

Fire activity is increasing across the American west, as critically dry landscapes and spiking temperatures fueled blazes in 11 states on Friday.

Evacuations were ordered at two national parks - Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Grand Canyon in Arizona, as hot weather, low humidity and gusty winds pushed flames closer to recreation areas.