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2 Arizona wildfires grow as they ravage Grand Canyon's North Rim

Yahoo

an hour ago

Climate
Yahoo

2 Arizona wildfires grow as they ravage Grand Canyon's North Rim

The White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires together have burned nearly 60,000 acres, while only miles away from each other on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. As of about 9 a.m. on July 15, the White Sage Fire spread across 51,922 acres, while the Dragon Bravo Fire spread to over 8,000 acres and destroyed historic structures, according to InciWeb, a federal wildfire tracker. Both of the fires remained 0% contained. Here's what we know about the continued growth of the fires and what might be next for firefighters. The White Sage Fire, roughly 30 miles north of the Dragon Bravo Fire, has burned 51,922 acres and was 0% contained after it was ignited due to a lightning strike, according to InciWeb. "Over the past few days, the White Sage Fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior," wrote fire officials in a July 15 morning update. Fire officials said 572 personnel were battling the fire. The approximate 2,600-acre increase was "significantly less" than before, according to the update. On July 14, the fire continued to spread through the scar of the 2020 Magnum Fire, where invasive cheatgrass acted as perfect fuel for the fire. Firefighters on the west side of the fire maintained a fire line and were transitioning into suppression efforts, the update added. Firefighters also traveled directly to the north portion of the fire and established more control lines, but they saw increased fire activity in the northwestern portion due to shifting winds and dry grass in the area, the update said. Firefighters were hindered by dry thunderstorms that evening, which limited air attack crews, who are critical to suppression efforts from the air, according to InciWeb. A vast area, the Kaibab Plateau from the Utah-Arizona line down to the Grand Canyon, was placed under evacuation orders. Fire crews urged the public to avoid the area. Highway 89A was closed at Fredonia and Bitter Springs. About 30 miles to the south, the Dragon Bravo Fire engulfed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, and at least 70 structures on July 12, according to Stefan La-Sky, public information officer for the Southwest Incident Management Team. On July 15, the fire had burned 8,570 acres and was still 0% contained, according to La-Sky. Over 360 personnel were battling the fire, he added. Six helicopters, including three heavy variants able to carry more water, were now on-site, La-Sky also said. Firefighters focused on areas near Roaring Springs, with some crews specifically assigned to structure protection, according to La-Sky He said that the fire threat to nearby Phantom Ranch was "significantly reduced." A hazmat situation caused by a chlorine leak from a water treatment plant was resolved, as crews found no detectable levels of the toxic chemicals in the area, fire officials said in an update. Do you have photos or video of the Grand Canyon Lodge to share on We'd love to see them and share with readers. Send it to us at our video-photo upload site. The National Weather Service office in Flagstaff noted July 15 that the area was expected to see a chance of gusty winds and dry lightning in the area, both of which aggravate fire conditions. Chances of actual rain, including hail, were at their highest on Thursday, according to the Weather Service. Thunderstorms prevent air attack crews, which are commonly used in the remote areas of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires, from reaching the fires. If rain made its way to the area, there was also a threat of flash flooding in sensitive areas and recent burn scars, according to the Weather Service. Contact reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@ Follow him on Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wildfires in AZ: Dragon Bravo, White Sage fires burn nearly 60K acres

Atlantic

3 hours ago

Climate
Atlantic

Photos: The Grand Canyon Burns

The Dragon Bravo wildfire in Arizona grew rapidly over the past weekend, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures along the canyon's North Rim. July 15, 2025, 12:10 PM ET Michael Chow / The Arizona Republic / USA Today / Reuters The Dragon Bravo fire burns on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, as seen from the South Rim on July 14, 2025. Grand Canyon National Park / Getty In this handout image provided by Grand Canyon National Park, the Dragon Bravo fire is seen at Grand Canyon National Park on July 11, 2025. Due to increased fire activity, mandatory evacuation orders were issued earlier in the day for North Rim residents. Joelle Baird / Grand Canyon National Park / AP Smoke from wildfires settles in Grand Canyon National Park, as seen on July 11, 2025. National Park Service / AP This photo provided by the National Park Service shows firefighters working at the charred remains of a building along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on July 13, 2025. Joe Rondone / The Arizona Republic / USA Today / Reuters Smoke from the Dragon Bravo fire is viewed by visitors at the Mather Point Overlook on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on July 13, 2025. Smoke from the Dragon Bravo fire colors a setting sun for onlookers at Grandeur Point on July 14, 2025. Michael Chow / The Arizona Republic / USA Today / Reuters The Dragon Bravo fire burns on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, as seen from the South Rim on July 14, 2025. The Dragon Bravo fire burns on the North Rim, as seen from Grandeur Point on July 14, 2025. The Dragon Bravo fire burns on the North Rim, as seen from Mather Point on July 15, 2025. Michael Chow / The Arizona Republic / USA Today / Reuters A night view of the Dragon Bravo fire, burning on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on July 14, 2025. Alan Taylor is a senior editor at The Atlantic.

Spreading Grand Canyon fire destroys historic lodge

Time of India

15 hours ago

Time of India

Spreading Grand Canyon fire destroys historic lodge

Spreading Grand Canyon fire destroys historic lodge (Image: AP) LOS ANGELES: A growing wildfire at the Grand Canyon's North Rim has now charred at least 50 structures, including a historic lodge inside the popular US tourist site and natural wonder, authorities said Monday. Hundreds of firefighters working from the air and ground in Arizona are battling the so-called Dragon Bravo blaze. More than 500 tourists and park staffers have been evacuated since the fire broke out on July 4, apparently from a lightning strike. On Saturday night the flames intensified quickly due to sustained winds gusting at up to 40 miles (64 kilometres) per hour, the National Park Service said. According to early assessments, the fire has burned down between 50 and 80 structures, including administrative buildings, a water treatment facility, and a historic building called Grand Canyon Lodge. It is the only place on the North Rim inside the park where visitors can spend the night. It was rebuilt in the 1930s after being destroyed in a fire and declared a national historic monument in 1987. Burning for over a week, the fire was initially managed by federal authorities in a confine and contain strategy -- rather than being tackled aggressively to try to put it out. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has criticized the approach and called for an independent probe. "An incident of this magnitude demands intense oversight and scrutiny into the federal government's emergency response," she wrote on X. "They must first take aggressive action to end the wildfire and prevent further damage. But Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park," the Democratic governor wrote. Authorities announced the North Rim is now closed for the remainder of the tourism season running through mid-October. Firefighters are also battling a second blaze around 35 miles (56 kilometres) north of the Dragon Bravo fire in Kaibab National Forest. Roads have been closed down too but the more popular South Rim of the canyon remains open. Dozens of fires are burning in the western United States as the country goes into a dry and dangerous season for wildfires. The region faces additional challenges because the Trump administration has cut funding and staff at federal agencies that work to prevent and grapple with fires and other natural disasters. One of the greatest wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon is the result of the Colorado River eating away at layers of red sandstone and other rock for millions of years, leaving a chasm up to 18 miles wide and more than a mile deep. Last year almost five million people visited the world-famous site.

Maps of Dragon Bravo Fire Impact as Grand Canyon Closes Entrance for Season

Newsweek

a day ago

Climate
Newsweek

Maps of Dragon Bravo Fire Impact as Grand Canyon Closes Entrance for Season

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Dragon Bravo fire has prompted National Park Service (NPS) officials to close the Grand Canyon's North Rim entrance for the season. Newsweek reached out to the NPS by email for comment. Why It Matters A lightning strike ignited the Dragon Bravo fire on July 4. Over the weekend, extreme heat, low humidity and fierce winds fueled the blaze and forced evacuations. On Sunday, the Grand Canyon National Park confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins to the flames. What To Know As of Monday, the fire has reached 5,716 acres and is 0 percent contained, according to the most recent update from InciWeb. In a news release published on Sunday, national park officials confirmed the closure of the North Rim for the remainder of the season. "With continued active fire behavior and ongoing risks to personnel and infrastructure, the North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of the 2025 season," the press release said. A map from shows PM2.5 concentrations in Northern Arizona where the Dragon Bravo fire is burning. A map from shows PM2.5 concentrations in Northern Arizona where the Dragon Bravo fire is burning. Air Quality Impact From Wildfire Smoke Animated weather footage from revealed some of the impact from the fire, such as localized PM2.5 pollution from wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing heightened risks to vulnerable populations, including children, seniors and those with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions. Widespread exposure to PM2.5 can exacerbate existing diseases and bring about acute respiratory symptoms, even in healthy people. No widespread air quality alerts have been issued, but NPS staff warned Grand Canyon hikers of smoke in the canyon. A map shows the extent of extreme fire danger across Arizona on July 14, 2025. A map shows the extent of extreme fire danger across Arizona on July 14, 2025. Fire Danger Across Arizona In addition to the Dragon Bravo fire, much of Northern Arizona is under extreme fire danger. Dry fuels, gusty winds and hot temperatures can contribute to fire danger. An extreme heat warning was in place for the Grand Canyon on Monday. Dragon Bravo Fire Map A map from the NPS showed the extent of the fire as it encroached on the Grand Canyon's North Rim. In addition to the North Rim closure, "all inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds and associated areas are closed until further notice," the NPS said. That includes the North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch and the Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens. A map of the Dragon Bravo fire burning in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. A map of the Dragon Bravo fire burning in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. National Park Service What People Are Saying The National Park Service, in a press release on Monday: "Preliminary assessments indicate that between 50 to 80 structures have been lost, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or loss of life have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fire's escalation. "The fire is being managed with an aggressive full suppression strategy. Fire behavior is still very active, driven by hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and continued strong wind gusts."

Firefighters Battle Dragon Bravo Fire On The North Rim Of The Grand Canyon Canyon Wildfire

News18