Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Large wildfires in northern Arizona have expanded significantly in just a few days, prompting intense efforts from firefighters to gain control. As of July 29, the Dragon Bravo Fire had charred approximately 85,682 acres, with containment only at 9%. Around 1,000 firefighters are on the ground working to manage the situation.

On Tuesday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) instituted an emergency closure order for South House Rock Valley. The closures affect the north and east areas of the Kaibab National Forest, extending to US Highway 89A, situated south of Thorpe Creek and north and west of the Grand Canyon.

Initially reported on Monday to have consumed 45,000 acres, the fire’s scope was later updated to include an additional 10,000 acres, bringing the total up significantly. By Tuesday, the area affected had increased by about 30,000 acres.

Firefighter spokesperson Lisa Jennings indicated that the conditions during the day are particularly challenging for the crews. She mentioned that the combination of tall mixed coniferous trees, ponderosa pines, and the rugged terrain contributes to the rapid spread of the fire.

“These unprecedented air masses are just the start of the challenges that have driven the fire’s growth,” Jennings noted. “The ongoing dry season lacks the moisture typically expected during July’s monsoon.”

Tom Zoellner, who has written about the area, describes the North Kaibab Plateau as an extraordinary wilderness, which sits about 8,000 feet above sea level and features towering trees.

Wildfire activity is anticipated to continue shifting northeast. Firefighters are currently facing extreme fire behavior due to the interaction of slope, fuel, and wind. The weather forecast predicts hot and dry conditions for the coming week.

Bobby Scopa, a former federal wildland firefighter with over 40 years of experience, voiced concerns about resource availability as the fight against the blaze persists. “I’m worried about the fatigue of the firefighters currently engaged. Nationally, we’re at planning level 4, which indicates we’re starting to draw resources from elsewhere,” she said.

The historic lodge at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is among more than 70 structures that have been lost due to the fire. The Dragon Bravo Fire is now alarmingly close to Kaiba Lodge and the North Rim Country Store, which has stood for almost a century.

On Tuesday, crews worked diligently to bolster protection around Kaiba Lodge, surrounded by national forests. The manager was also monitoring the state fish shelter for Apache trout and bison schools in House Rock Valley.

Owner Larry Innes shared that Monday was particularly tense, as they were on standby to evacuate when firefighters indicated the fire was approaching too closely. He described the smoke as rising about 40,000 feet in the air.

As of Sunday, containment was reported at 26%, although this figure was later adjusted downward due to new boundary mapping and the recent growth of the fire’s impact. A notable advance of 3-4 miles occurred on the western flank.

Footage from July 14 shows smoke from the Dragon Bravo Fire creeping along the northern edge of the Grand Canyon National Park.

A governor’s call for an independent investigation into the management of the Dragon Bravo Fire has been made. Governor Katie Hobbs pointed out that despite the visibility of the flames, the federal government failed to manage the situation effectively during this critical period. “I urge a thorough and independent investigation into the management decisions surrounding the Dragon Bravo Fire,” she stated.

On July 23, Hobbs had a meeting with the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgham, regarding the fire, which she later termed “productive.” She emphasized a commitment to an independent review of fire management protocols.

“Limitation and containment is a completely different control strategy from controlled burns. The National Park Service has been actively working to combat the Dragon Bravo Fire with control targets in mind,” officials noted.

The National Park Service has confirmed that access to that part of the canyon will remain closed for the remainder of the season due to the ongoing firefighting efforts and the destruction of key infrastructure.

Each year, millions visit Grand Canyon National Park, with most heading to the more popular South Rim, while the North Rim typically sees seasonal openings.

Brian, a podcast host from the Grand Canyon community, expressed shared sentiments of devastation, especially for those living and working in the area.

Ed Keeble, the principal of the Grand Canyon National Park, informed community members that the fires had destroyed Grand Canyon Lodge, the sole lodging option on the North Rim, along with visitor centers and gas stations.

Senator Reuben Gallego remarked that the Dragon Bravo Fire has resulted in a significant loss, stating, “Arizona is losing more than just a historic lodge; it’s losing a piece of its history.”

The Grand Canyon Lodge first opened in 1928, was reconstructed after a devastating fire in 1937, and has served guests for decades.

Wayne Lanney, a board member of the Grand Canyon Historical Society, noted the lodge’s long history and its significance to visitors who prefer the North Rim’s uniquely expansive views.

Park officials reported numerous historic cabins, staff residences, and management offices among the structures destroyed. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, as all staff and residents evacuated prior to the flames reaching their locations.

Windy conditions experienced late on July 12 contributed to the flames’ erratic behavior, leading to a rapid expansion of 500 acres overnight. Firefighters were unable to use aerial retardants due to chlorine gas leaks from a damaged water treatment plant, which necessitated evacuations of personnel and hikers.

Residents in Marble Canyon, Lee’s Ferry, and nearby Navajo communities may detect chlorine odors due to the heavier-than-air gas settling in lower elevations, which poses potential health risks.

Representative Greg Stanton highlighted a tragic reminder of the importance of continued investment in wildfire resilience at all levels of government.

“I’m deeply saddened by the historic Grand Canyon Lodge’s destruction. Many people, not just in Arizona, but worldwide, hold Grand Canyon National Park dear,” he remarked.

Previous versions of this story referred to the fire management strategy as “controlled burns”; updates have clarified that the terminology used by federal authorities describes it as “limitation and containment.”