Firefighters in Arizona have been facing challenges in controlling two destructive wildfires that ravaged the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. These fires resulted in the destruction of a historic lodge, numerous buildings, and prompted widespread evacuations and road closures. The Dragon Bravo Fire, which had burned 8,500 acres with no containment as of July 15, was initially intended as a controlled burn but rapidly grew in size due to strong winds. This led to evacuations as it engulfed structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, the sole hotel at the North Rim. Federal officials and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs are demanding an investigation into the wildfire response, expressing concerns over the handling by the National Park Service.
In addition, the White Sage Fire north of the Grand Canyon has burned 81 square miles with no containment. Despite the significant property damage, no injuries have been reported. The closure of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim for the remainder of the year has shocked locals and visitors alike, as the area is less frequented compared to the South Rim. Both fires were ignited by lightning strikes and exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, hindering firefighting efforts. Calls for an investigation into the wildfire responses have been made by lawmakers from both political parties, seeking clarity on the management of such incidents by the National Park Service. The park service, however, defended its actions, stating that the fire was managed appropriately despite the unforeseen challenges posed by the extreme weather conditions.
Many lives were saved thanks to the expert handling of the fire. The park was evacuated swiftly and efficiently before any harm could be done,” stated Pawlitz. “The firefighters conducted the initial response without putting themselves or others in danger.”Unexpectedly, the winds shifted during the firefight, leading to historic wind gusts that caused the fire to breach multiple containment lines and move towards buildings,” she explained. “The priority remains the safety of the public and firefighters,” added Pawlick. “While the loss of structures is regrettable, they can be rebuilt.”
“Facing resource limitations”: Air crew member describes Grand Canyon fire response
Curt Stanley was in charge of coordinating aircraft and helicopters when the flames threatened the Grand Canyon Lodge and eventually destroyed the nearly century-old building and surrounding cabins. “We were lacking resources, with insufficient personnel and aircraft to effectively combat the fire,” Stanley shared with The Arizona Republic about his first night on the fire as part of an air attack team.
Officials have reported that the Dragon Bravo Fire has destroyed 70 structures as of July 14. The Grand Canyon Lodge, established in 1937, caught fire around 10:30 p.m. on July 12 due to strong winds pushing the fire beyond containment lines, according to Stefan La-Sky, the public information officer for the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team.
Stanley mentioned that despite being a top priority, the crews were unable to prevent the fire from reaching the lodge and nearby structures. “Protecting the lodge, historic cabins, and employee housing was our main focus,” he emphasized.
“Extreme heat warning” issued for Grand Canyon North Rim
The National Weather Service extended an “extreme heat warning” for the Grand Canyon’s North Rim on July 15. Temperatures were expected to reach between 102 and 110 degrees throughout the afternoon, advising against physical exertion in the area.
The North Rim, which sees significantly fewer visitors compared to the Grand Canyon, was evacuated and closed for the season last week as the White Sage Fire spread towards the park. Firefighters have been aggressively combating the blaze, with ground personnel and multiple aircraft dropping water and retardant on the flames.
Smoke from the Dragon Bravo Fire was visible to visitors at the Mather Point Overlook on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on July 13, 2025.
Grand Canyon’s beauty remains despite the smoke
At the Mather Point overlook on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, visitors marveled at the breathtaking views while observing the plumes of black smoke from the ongoing Dragon Bravo Fire. Michelle Akrami, accompanied by her 13-year-old son Evan, shared the awe-inspiring sight with a smile, reminiscing about her first visit at the age of 15. The family was camping for three days at the South Rim before heading back to Southern California.
Jeff Bishop and Gene Gravatt, tourists from Virginia, had planned to stay at the North Rim but were redirected along with their 40-person tour
Visitors at Mather Point Overlook on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon witnessed a wildfire outbreak on July 13, 2025. Wildfires in Colorado have triggered evacuations and resulted in the closure of a national park. Firefighters are working tirelessly to combat multiple blazes that have devastated thousands of acres of land, including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Governor Jared Polis has declared disasters in several western counties due to the wildfires, which were primarily ignited by lightning and fueled by intense heat and strong winds. The Grand Canyon North Rim fire continues to rage uncontrollably amidst extreme heat conditions.
