Latest news with #DragonBravoFire
Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
As US wildfires rage, firefighters clean toilets after Trump staff cuts, critics say
The Dragon Bravo Fire burns on the northern rim as seen from Grandeur Point on the southern rim of Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S. July 14, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson/File Photo The U.S. Forest Service faced criticism from current and former employees who say federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration have left fire teams understaffed, as the country grapples with decade-high U.S. wildfire numbers this year. The agency, which oversees the nation's largest wildland firefighting force, rejected those claims, saying it has sufficient resources. However, more than a dozen active and retired U.S. Forest Service employees told Reuters that the agency is struggling to fill critical roles after approximately 5,000 employees - roughly 15% of its workforce - quit in the past five months. Accounts from firefighters in Oregon and New Mexico, as well as a fire chief recruiting support staff in the Pacific Northwest, said the vacancies have led to personnel held back from supporting frontline firefighting because of administrative duties. The crew leader on an Oregon blaze said her team went hungry for several days, ran short of medical supplies and had to scrounge for chainsaw fuel after support staff quit the agency during two rounds of "fork in the road" buyouts. "I had guys who were going to bed hungry after working 16 hours," said the crew leader on the Alder Springs Fire, who asked not to be named for fear of losing her job. National and local USFS officials say, however, the force is ready for what is expected to be a worse than average fire year in California, the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies, according to National Interagency Fire Center forecasts. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore Medallions with Singapore Botanic Gardens' iconic landmarks launched to mark milestone-filled year Life WP chairwoman Sylvia Lim to publish memoir with Epigram Books in 2027 Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore Jail, caning for man who held metal rod to cashier's neck in failed robbery attempt "Our fire staff feels very confident in our staffing levels going into this fire season," said USFS Public Affairs Officer Isabella Isaksen, who represents USFS operations in central Oregon. Isaksen said food problems on the Alder Springs Fire were due to a new caterer and were quickly resolved. She said medical, chainsaw and other supplies were available on the 3,400-acre blaze that triggered evacuations in two counties. 'THEY ARE READY' The Trump administration pledged not to cut firefighting positions and other public safety jobs in firings, voluntary resignations and early retirements meant to raise efficiency at the USFS which manages 193 million acres of land (78 million hectares), roughly about the size of Texas. USFS employees that Reuters interviewed for this story said the loss of thousands of foresters, biologists, trail builders and campground managers was having a knock-on effect on firefighters. Not only are firefighters having to cover empty positions at ranger stations but they also have lost hundreds of peers who each year switched from regular jobs to take on firefighting support roles during the fire season, which typically runs from spring to fall, these people said. USFS Chief Tom Schultz on Wednesday told agency managers to make all of these fire-qualified, so-called "red-carded" staff available for what he called an "extremely challenging" fire year, according to a memo seen by Reuters. Year to date, wildland firefighters have been called to nearly 41,000 blazes, by far the highest number in federal data going back to at least 2015. Last month Schultz told a U.S. Senate committee he was trying to temporarily hire back some 1,400 fire-qualified, "red-carded" support staff who took buyouts. "I do believe they are ready," Schultz said when asked about preparedness for the 2025 fire year. FIREFIGHTERS MOW LAWNS Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who oversees the USFS, said in June at a meeting of Western state governors in New Mexico that the agency was on target to hire 11,300 firefighters by mid July, outpacing hiring over the past three years. As of June 29, 11,236 or 99% of that number had been hired, slightly below last year's level, according to the most recent USDA data. The USDA disputed claims that staff shortages are endangering communities, forests, and firefighters. "We are providing the resources needed to ensure the Forest Service has the strongest and most prepared wildland firefighting force in the world," a USDA spokesperson said. New Mexico U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich has criticized the Trump administration's firing and rehiring of 3,400 USFS probationary staff, three-quarters of whom were red-carded, as well as what he called its indiscriminate, agency-wide staff buyouts. 'Wildfire season is well underway, and thanks to DOGE and Donald Trump, the U.S. Forest Service is being gutted, leaving communities ill equipped to fight deadly wildfires," Heinrich said in a emailed statement on July 11. The Forest Service says it does not have enough wildland firefighters for the country's "wildfire crisis" and relies on red-carded staff to "boost wildland firefighting capacity." Yet, not everyone close to the Forest Service sees problems. Steve Ellis, chairman of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees, said his checks with fire staff in Oregon turned up no reports of firefighters going hungry or other support issues. But Riva Duncan, a fire duty officer on a New Mexico blaze, said even firefighters were being used to plug gaps left by job losses, exacerbating longstanding shortages of personnel to operate fire engines. "They're answering phones at the front desk, or cleaning toilets at campgrounds or mowing the lawn at administrative sites," said Duncan, a retired USFS fire chief who reenlists during fire season and helps run Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a federal firefighter advocacy group. The fire staff officer in the Pacific Northwest said support staff had been told by managers they had to meet the Trump administration's increased timber sales and oil and gas production targets, with fewer employees, before helping firefighters. "They can claim we get all the support we need, but in reality, it isn't even close," said the fire chief, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation. REUTERS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
See it: Aerial footage of Grand Canyon wildfire captures flames ravaging historic national park
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. – The Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn along the north rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The Dragon Bravo Fire began on the evening of July 12 and quickly spread to over 500 acres, according to the National Park Service (NPS). Fire managers were able to confirm the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and many other historic cabins amid the widespread flames. Footage captured by the Grand Canyon NPS reveals smoke from the fire along the north rim of the park. Parts of the land were stained by fire retardant dropped by an aircraft. Aerial bucket drops were conducted to slow the spread of the fire to the lodge but were unsuccessful due to wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph, according to NPS officials. An image of first responders at the historic lodge represents the aftermath of the devastating wildfire, which has spread to over 12,000 acres and is only 8% contained. Grand Canyon Lodge was once a great place to go for a firsthand view of the Grand Canyon from the north rim, and it will be hard to replace such an iconic venue. 3 Critically Endangered California Condors Relocated During Arizona White Sage Fire The north rim of the park will remain closed for the remainder of the 2025 article source: See it: Aerial footage of Grand Canyon wildfire captures flames ravaging historic national park
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
What structures were still standing on the Grand Canyon's North Rim?
About 235 structures were in danger, or were already damaged or destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire, according to a preliminary structure loss report released by the Grand Canyon National Park on July 15. The Dragon Bravo Fire is a lightning-caused wildfire that began July 4 within the park's boundaries. It grew slowly for several days and was initially being monitored as a controlled burn for forest management purposes. But after winds picked up July 11, the fire became uncontrollable. The fire began about 4 miles from the developed area of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, where employees live, animals are housed and visitors stay overnight. When the fire reached the visitor hub of the North Rim, it destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, which opened in 1937, and dozens of other structures. Here's what to know about what was destroyed and what's still standing on the North Rim. What North Rim structures were destroyed or damaged? About 100 structures were destroyed as of July 15, according to the national park's preliminary structure loss report. Most of the destroyed properties were places where visitors stay, including about 75 cabins, according to the report. In addition, the mule barn, sewage treatment tanks, hazardous waste storage centers and equipment sheds were destroyed. About 12 residences were also destroyed, as well as a linen storage unit, according to the report. One structure on the north end, an electric and plumbing shop, was classified as damaged. The Dragon Bravo Fire preliminary structure loss report for July 15, 2025, detailing the north and south half of the North Rim. Provided by Grand Canyon National Park What structures were still standing but 'threatened'? Most of the structures left standing were residences and visitor lodges. Approximately 30 visitor cabins and two motel structures were still threatened by the fire. Of the residences, about 50 were classified as threatened, the report said. In addition to lodging, about seven concession properties were threatened, including a public shower area, a general store and a gas station, the report said. About seven more public properties were also threatened, including the amphitheater and several comfort stations, according to the report. A shelter and kiosk structure were classified as threatened, too, the report said. About 30 administrative structures were classified as threatened, including an employee dining room, a fitness facility and the campground registration area. (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What structures were still standing on the Grand Canyon's North Rim? Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
The Grand Canyon Lodge burned in a wildfire. What to know about its history
The historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures on the North Rim have been destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire, Grand Canyon National Park officials announced July 13. The lodge opened in 1937 and was the only hotel located inside the national park's boundaries on the North Rim. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1980s. An earlier lodge that had a different design burned down in the 1930s. Here's what we know about the Grand Canyon Lodge and its history on the North Rim, which is visited by far fewer people each year than the more developed South Rim. How many people visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon each year? The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is visited by only a small fraction of all park visitors, according to the National Park Service. Across the whole park, over 4.9 million people visited the Grand Canyon in 2024, the National Park Service reported. In 2024, the North Rim saw 81,473 vehicle entrances, including employee entrances, according to National Park Service data. That was a 6.4% drop from the year before, according to the data. The South Rim, in contrast, saw over 1.2 million vehicle entrances in 2024, according to National Park Service data. The North Rim has not seen annual vehicle entrances over 100,000 since 2022. The North Rim's busiest year on record was 1993, with over 148,000 vehicle entrances, according to the data. 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 North Rim's first lodge was built in the 1920s The original North Rim lodge was built in part for the Union Pacific Railroad and opened in 1928, according to the National Park Service. Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood followed National Park Service guidelines that required buildings to represent their environment. Its design included a second story and observation tower that were not part of the second lodge, according to the National Park Service. It was known for having college student workers who acted as part-time entertainers for the lodge, regularly performing musical welcomes for new visitors, according to the National Park Service. First lodge burned down in September 1932 In September 1932, a fire destroyed the lodge quickly, sending the lodge's staff fleeing in the early morning hours, according to the National Park Service. According to "Grand Canyon Rim to Rim History," a book by Davy Crockett, the blaze started as a kitchen fire when a chef was preparing breakfast for employees. Guests in adjoining cabins volunteered to help stop the spread of the flames, according to Crockett. The Union Pacific Railroad quickly reestablished a cafeteria and recreation hall after the 1932 fire, according to the National Park Service. North Rim lodge was rebuilt despite earlier fire The rebuilt lodge opened in June 1937. It had a limestone façade that was sourced nearby, and massive ponderosa pine trees were turned into support beams to hold up a sloped roof capable of supporting heavy loads of snow, according to the National Park Service. The new lodge sat on the foundation of the former and used many of the original's materials. The lodge complex consisted of a main lodge building with 23 deluxe cabins and over 90 regular cabins. It also included a saloon, a deli, a coffee shop, a post office, a gift shop, and a visitors center. The lodge was known for its "sun room," which greeted visitors with a view of the Canyon, according to the National Park Service. Where is the Grand Canyon Lodge? The Grand Canyon Lodge was considered the hidden gem of the North Rim, which is the more remote portion of Grand Canyon National Park. The more developed South Rim has several historic structures, including El Tovar, a hotel that opened in 1905. How did the fire that burned down the Grand Canyon Lodge start? The lightning-caused Dragon Bravo Fire started on July 4. It grew, and evacuation orders were issued for the North Rim on July 11. Hot, dry, and windy conditions fueled the fire's growth, with flames spreading through mixed conifer, aspen, and ponderosa pine forests, according to InciWeb, a federal government wildfire tracker. The fire had spread to 5,000 acres and was 0% contained as of July 13, according to InciWeb. What will happen at the North Rim after the fire is extinguished? Firefighters were working to extinguish the Dragon Bravo Fire. Park officials have not said when the North Rim would reopen or whether the area would be rebuilt. Gov. Katie Hobbs questioned the handling of the fire and called for an investigation. Officials opted to manage the wildfire, which started July 4, as a controlled burn rather than immediately extinguish it. Contact reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@ Follow him on Instagram, X, Threads and Bluesky: @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim destroyed by fire: What to know
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Arizona governor views devastation at Grand Canyon's North Rim
GRAND CANYON — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs arrived at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon July 19 for an in-person update on the Dragon Bravo Fire. Flames have consumed more than 11,000 acres and many structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and the visitor center. Hobbs first toured near the blaze's burn path on a Blackhawk helicopter flown by the Arizona National Guard. Sunbeams illuminated the fire haze from a distance beyond the South Rim, long before the smoke and stands of charred trees came into view north of the canyon. The chopper circled over the skeletal remains of the Grand Canyon Lodge below. 'It's so devastating,' Hobbs said shortly after landing. 'As a lifelong Arizonan, it just is a reminder of the shared stewardship we have of this land of this iconic treasure of the Grand Canyon.' Hobbs landed about 25 miles north of the rim near De Motte Campground and first toured the fire camp, where roughly 700 personnel were staged to battle the blaze. 'Really the heavy lift and heavy workload is for the folks on the fire line,' said Manny Cordova, a liaison for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, who toured the governor through the camp. 'This is all designed to support them.' The tour included a visit to the finance trailer, where daily tallies of the cost are calculated. The tally as of July 19, according to a white board: $8,035,152.20. The governor also received a briefing on the fire behind closed doors in a yurt. The fire began with a lightning strike on July 4 about four miles from the North Rim's tourist hub. Hobbs has questioned the initial response to the blaze on federal land, and previously called for an investigation of why it was handled as a controlled burn. The National Park Service has said fire suppression was the goal but the flames jumped containment features when winds picked up and drove the wildfire over thousands of acres. Arizona has 80 firefighters assisting the federal response to the blaze, Arizona state Forester Tom Torres said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Katie Hobbs views devastation from Grand Canyon North Rim fire Solve the daily Crossword
