Arizona governor tours wildfire destruction along Grand Canyon North Rim
Hobbs called for an investigation into the handling of the blaze.
The governor, who sought to gather information ahead of her meetings with federal officials next week, looked intently out the window as the Black Hawk helicopter she was riding snaked over the Grand Canyon. White smoke emerged from the North Rim, and most of the Grand Canyon Lodge was whittled to a bare skeleton, though some of the building appeared intact from overhead. Some surrounding trees were no more than charred toothpicks on the ashen land. Whiffs of smoky air passed through the helicopter.
The wildfire was sparked by a lightning strike on July 4. The National Park Service four days later said it was being allowed to burn to benefit the land as part of a 'confine and contain' strategy that the Grand Canyon National Park has leaned on for decades to clear dense vegetation, minimize future risk and make the ecosystem more resilient.
But a week after the ignition, blustery winds, hot temperatures and lower humidity quickly intensified the flames, prompting officials to shift their efforts to aggressive suppression and order evacuations. The blaze has charred more than 18 square miles (46 square kilometers). As of Saturday, it is eight percent contained.
No injuries had been reported, but the wildfire on the canyon's less-frequented North Rim destroyed more than 70 structures, including a visitors center, historic cabins and the nearly century-old Grand Canyon Lodge.
After touching ground, Hobbs visited the incident command post for the Dragon Bravo fire. Lined with trailers and dotted with yurts and tents, the fire camp currently houses more than 800 personnel who have come from various federal, state and local entities and independent contracting vendors to help fire suppression efforts. The camp functions similar to a tiny town.
She shook hands with members of the crew in the mess hall and met with officials including those from Grand Canyon National Park, the Department of Interior and the National Park Service. She said she was encouraged to hear that mitigation is a priority for the federal government.
'This is federal jurisdiction, but fire doesn't know that boundary, and we all have to work together,' Hobbs said.
The governor has called for an investigation into why the park service did not immediately put out the flames during the hottest and driest period of Arizona's summer. Bipartisan members of Arizona's congressional delegation also have questioned the decision.
Hobbs said she is not second-guessing the decision to use the 'confine and contain' strategy at the outset of the fire.
'I think we need to look at, after we get this fire managed, what went into the decision making and if there what were missteps, how we learn from that,' she said Saturday.
The park service has defended its actions.
Hobbs will meet with leadership in the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior about their decisions in managing the wildfire this upcoming week.
She said in a video statement Wednesday that she hasn't seen any indication that a lack of federal resources are to blame for any problems.
Last month, President Donald Trump ordered government officials to consolidate wildland firefighting into a single program, despite warnings from former federal officials that it could be costly and increase the risk of catastrophic blazes.
The North Rim is closed for the rest of the season along with a pair of campgrounds near the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon.
___
The Associated Press' women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
20-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Arizona governor tours wildfire destruction along Grand Canyon North Rim
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs on Saturday toured the destruction caused by a wildfire along the Grand Canyon's North Rim, surveying what she described as devastating damage, Hobbs called for an investigation into the handling of the blaze. The governor, who sought to gather information ahead of her meetings with federal officials next week, looked intently out the window as the Black Hawk helicopter she was riding snaked over the Grand Canyon. White smoke emerged from the North Rim, and most of the Grand Canyon Lodge was whittled to a bare skeleton, though some of the building appeared intact from overhead. Some surrounding trees were no more than charred toothpicks on the ashen land. Whiffs of smoky air passed through the helicopter. The wildfire was sparked by a lightning strike on July 4. The National Park Service four days later said it was being allowed to burn to benefit the land as part of a 'confine and contain' strategy that the Grand Canyon National Park has leaned on for decades to clear dense vegetation, minimize future risk and make the ecosystem more resilient. But a week after the ignition, blustery winds, hot temperatures and lower humidity quickly intensified the flames, prompting officials to shift their efforts to aggressive suppression and order evacuations. The blaze has charred more than 18 square miles (46 square kilometers). As of Saturday, it is eight percent contained. No injuries had been reported, but the wildfire on the canyon's less-frequented North Rim destroyed more than 70 structures, including a visitors center, historic cabins and the nearly century-old Grand Canyon Lodge. After touching ground, Hobbs visited the incident command post for the Dragon Bravo fire. Lined with trailers and dotted with yurts and tents, the fire camp currently houses more than 800 personnel who have come from various federal, state and local entities and independent contracting vendors to help fire suppression efforts. The camp functions similar to a tiny town. She shook hands with members of the crew in the mess hall and met with officials including those from Grand Canyon National Park, the Department of Interior and the National Park Service. She said she was encouraged to hear that mitigation is a priority for the federal government. 'This is federal jurisdiction, but fire doesn't know that boundary, and we all have to work together,' Hobbs said. The governor has called for an investigation into why the park service did not immediately put out the flames during the hottest and driest period of Arizona's summer. Bipartisan members of Arizona's congressional delegation also have questioned the decision. Hobbs said she is not second-guessing the decision to use the 'confine and contain' strategy at the outset of the fire. 'I think we need to look at, after we get this fire managed, what went into the decision making and if there what were missteps, how we learn from that,' she said Saturday. The park service has defended its actions. Hobbs will meet with leadership in the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior about their decisions in managing the wildfire this upcoming week. She said in a video statement Wednesday that she hasn't seen any indication that a lack of federal resources are to blame for any problems. Last month, President Donald Trump ordered government officials to consolidate wildland firefighting into a single program, despite warnings from former federal officials that it could be costly and increase the risk of catastrophic blazes. The North Rim is closed for the rest of the season along with a pair of campgrounds near the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. ___ The Associated Press' women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
The grueling 135-mile journey of a 66-year-old runner through one of the hottest places on Earth
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — When the running gets hard in this desert dubbed 'hell on Earth,' Danny Westergaard tells himself: 'Slow and steady' or 'smooth as butter.' For 18 years, Westergaard, 66, has braved the scorching summer heat of California's Death Valley in an ultramarathon billed as the world's toughest. Last week, 99 runners from across the globe embarked on a grueling 135 mile (217.26 kilometer) competition from the lowest point below sea level of North America to the trailhead of the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. They had 48 hours to do it. Few have completed the competition as many times as Westergaard, though finishing is not a given. 'It's just become like a summer ritual and a family reunion,' he said. 'I feel at home when I'm here. It's my tribe.' For the 37th year, the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon challenged athletes to withstand stretches of this dry, searing desert. The race takes place in July, when temperatures have soared into the 130s F (54.44s C). Even as a place of extremes, Death Valley is not immune to global warming. Seven of its hottest summers have occurred in the past 10 years, according to the National Park Service. And if planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current pace, more places could experience its broiling temperatures. Over two days, Westergaard would trek up and down mountain ranges, past sand dunes and salt flats, through quaint towns and vast desertscapes amid temperatures as high as 117 F (47.22 C). He tried to smile throughout, even when he felt miserable. 'It just lifts you up,' he said of smiling so others smile back. First night: The race begins At 8 p.m., the first wave of runners take off. Westergaard jogs up a ramp into the pale light of dusk. It's 113 F (45 C), and it feels like a blow dryer to the face. Leap frogging in a van behind him is his cheer squad and support crew – Jennifer Drain, his smiley cousin back for the 17th year, and daughters Meagan, who has attended before, and Madison, a first timer. The crew, who playfully call Westergaard 'wiener dog,' are hauling everything he needs: food, ice, water, electrolytes. This heat can kill. Soaring body temperatures can lead to organ failure and strain the heart, especially for people with heart disease, and cause heat stroke. To prevent that they keep him cool. They spray mist on him and pour ice into his hat and a bandana wrapped around his neck. His drinking water is ice cold. A few hours in, Meagan asks her dad if he's peed. 'Long stream,' he responded of his amount of urine. Staying hydrated is critical. As he sweats, he's losing liquids that can critically stress kidneys if not replenished. Dehydration can cause organs to fail from lack of blood, oxygen and nutrients, leading to seizures and death. No runners have died doing the competition, but heat-related issues are common, said Megan Dell, the race's medical director. Stomach issues can lead to vomiting and dehydration. Hyponatremia — which happens when your blood's sodium is too low — has sent runners to the hospital. Westergaard has learned to embrace the rollercoaster. One moment he feels like Superman — the next he could be throwing up on the side of the road, questioning if he'll make it. 'You just suck it up, just like in life, and get through the lows, and it always gets better.' The next day: Running through 'the oven' The runners dash toward mile 50.8 (81.75 kilometers), the critical cut off point they must get to by 10 a.m. or be eliminated. The sun is peaking over the mountains, casting a warm glow over dune fields. It's 85 F (29.44 C). 'Living the dream, ey?' Westergaard said with a smile, his perky strut now a droopy shuffle. He pours water on his face and arms and munches some watermelon. Madison paces behind him as they crack jokes. 'Get er done! Junior wiener in training!' Meagan yelled. Westergaard makes it to the cut off point before 9 a.m. It's 90 F (32.2 C). Mile 56 (90.12 kilometers): After moving for 14 hours straight, Westergaard rests and eats some avocado toast. 'Great! Let's motor!' he said after 10 minutes sitting on a chair. Miles later, he begins his descent into 'the oven' that is Panamint Valley, usually the hottest part of the race during the hottest part of the day. It's 96 F (35.56 C) and the heat sizzles from above and below. Westergaard runs on the white line on the road because it's cooler. In hotter years, the asphalt got so hot the bottoms of his shoes felt sticky on the ground. Westergaard trains year round to acclimate to the heat. As he gets older, he doesn't tolerate heat as well and has slowed down. His two-hour sauna sessions are now one, and he runs a few times a week instead of daily. 'I'm just out there longer,' he said, 'but still getting it done.' Tony Wolf, kinesiology professor at the University of Georgia, said aging adults generally have reduced heart function compared to younger adults. When combined with the cardiovascular demand of exercise and heat stress, it can cause difficulties. There isn't much research about how the bodies of fit older adults, including competitive athletes, regulate internal temperature. 'There aren't a ton of people in their 60s and older who are doing those kinds of events,' said Wolf. Studies focused on adults before and after a training program found that exercise improved heart function and thermoregulation. That could suggest that the heart and thermoregulation impairments linked to aging are largely mitigated by lifelong fitness, Wolf said. Second night: Sleepy hallucinations The runners are spread out now, their flashing lights twinkling in the distance. This night is the toughest for Westergaard as sleep deprivation sets in. He zigzags on the road, barely awake. The runners ahead of him look like they're running toward him. In past years, his hallucinations have included people luring him to rest on couches that were actually bushes. Another time, he struck up a conversation with a kid skateboarding by him with a dog. And once, he watched for hours as a guy swung off the edge of the crescent moon, waving down at him. 'It was just clear as day,' Westergaard said of the hallucination. At 3:10 a.m. at mile 98 (157.72 kilometers), he sleeps for 15 minutes under the moonlight. 'No one really quite understands' why he does this, said Madison. Final day: The push toward the finish At 11:50 a.m. and around mile 123 (197.95 kilometers), Westergaard shuffles through the town of Lone Pine. Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental U.S., soars some 14,500 feet (4,420 meters) into the blue sky. A crowd claps and cheers as he runs by. 'Go Danny, go!' yelled a man. It's 92 F (33.33 C) as he approaches the final 4,750 foot (1,447.8 meters) mountain ascent to the finish line. Westergaard is walking at a snail's pace and says he's falling asleep. But his smile hasn't waned. 'We've come a long way,' Westergaard said, Madison pacing behind and spraying him. 'Long way for a burger!' she responded. They giggle while thinking about the veggie burger they'll buy upon finishing. Then he does, crossing the finish line with his crew at exactly 45 hours and 29 minutes. It was his most special Badwater 135 race by far, he says misty eyed, having Meagan and Madison at his side. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP's environmental coverage, visit
CTV News
14-07-2025
- CTV News
A wildfire that destroyed historic Grand Canyon Lodge spread after being allowed to burn for days
This photo provided by the Bureau of Land Management shows aerial resources working to suppress White Sage wildfire burning north of Grand Canyon National Park in Ariz., on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Office via AP) FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A wildfire raging along the Grand Canyon's North Rim that levelled a historic lodge erupted over the weekend after burning for more than a week, raising scrutiny over the National Park Service's decision not to aggressively attack the fire right away. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for a federal investigation into the Park Service's handling of the fire, which was sparked by lightning July 4. 'Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park,' the governor said in a social media post Sunday. 'The federal government chose to manage that fire as a controlled burn during the driest, hottest part of the Arizona summer.' Authorities first used a 'confine and contain' strategy by clearing fuel sources, but shifted to aggressive suppression as the fire rapidly grew to nearly 8 square miles (20.7 square kilometers) because of hot temperatures, low humidity and strong wind gusts, fire officials said. The fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging inside the park's North Rim, along with cabins, employee housing and a waste water treatment plant, park Superintendent Ed Keable said Sunday. Park officials have closed access for the rest of the year to the North Rim, a less popular and more isolated area of the park that draws only about 10% of the Grand Canyon's millions of annual visitors. Hikers in the area were evacuated and rafters on the Colorado River, which snakes through the canyon, were told to bypass Phantom Ranch, an outpost of cabins and dormitories. No injuries have been reported, but 50 to 80 structures have been lost, the park superintendent said. From the air, plumes of black smoke could be seen rising above the canyon walls. The fire flared up Saturday night, fueled by high winds. Firefighters managed to make progress, using aerial fire retardant drops near the lodge before they had to pull back because of a chlorine gas leak at the water treatment plant, the park service said. Across the West, about three dozen fires are burning uncontained and another 80 fires are being managed to clear out vegetation that has clogged the landscape, according to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. So far this year, nearly 2.5 million acres have burned. That's slightly below the 10-year average, according to the center. Near the Grand Canyon's North Rim, there were two wildfires burning — the Dragon Bravo Fire that destroyed the lodge and other buildings and the White Sage Fire, which by Sunday afternoon had charred 63 square miles (162 square kilometers) of terrain. Officials reported progress in battling the White Sage Fire. Nearly 5 million people visited the Grand Canyon last year, with most sticking to the South Rim. Roads in the North Rim are closed to vehicles in the winter and the lodge opens in May through mid-October. The Grand Canyon Lodge, known for its huge ponderosa beams, massive limestone facade and a bronze statue of a donkey named 'Brighty the Burro,' was perched on the edge of the North Rim and offered sweeping views of the canyon. Caren Carney was staying at the lodge last week with her husband, parents and 12-year-old son when a park ranger knocked on their door Thursday and told them to evacuate. She was heartbroken Sunday to hear that such a 'magical place' had burned down. After evacuating, the family from Georgia went to the South Rim and could see the blaze from across the canyon. 'I'm so glad we got to have one final look at it in the present before it was lost,' Carney said. Aramark, the company that operated the lodge, said all employees and guests were safely evacuated. An original lodge burned down from a kitchen fire in 1932, four years after construction was completed, according to the Grand Canyon Historical Society. The redesigned lodge using the original stonework opened in 1937. Elsewhere, a wildfire burning in southwestern Colorado closed Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and forced the evacuation of homes near the park. The fire was started by lightning Thursday on the south rim of the park, a dramatic, deep gorge carved by the Gunnison River. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration Sunday because of it and other fires burning in western Colorado. ------ By Felicia Fonseca And Jaimie Ding Ding reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Colleen Slevin in Denver, Bruce Schreiner in Louisville, Kentucky, and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.
