Drgon Bravo Fire destroys historic buildings as it continues to rage

The Dragon Bravo Fire, which began on July 4, escalated dramatically on July 11.

PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO

Preliminary assessments report that 50 to 80 structures, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities, have been lost.

Grand Canyon, ARIZONA: A wildfire sparked by lightning has severely impacted the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and several cabins.

The Dragon Bravo Fire, which began on July 4, escalated dramatically on July 11 when strong winds pushed flames beyond containment lines. By July 12, the fire expanded by 500 acres, exhibiting “extreme and volatile” behavior in the region’s hot, dry, and windy conditions, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

A nearby wildfire, the White Sage Fire, is also burning about 35 miles north in Kaibab National Forest. Together, these fires have caused extensive damage. Preliminary assessments report that 50 to 80 structures, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities, have been lost. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths have been reported, as all residents and staff were safely evacuated before the fires intensified.

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While most wildfires are human-caused, lightning is a natural ignition source responsible for roughly 10% of global forest fires. Lightning’s intense heat and energy can quickly ignite dry vegetation, sparking multiple trees at once.

The Dragon Bravo Fire was initially managed with a strategy to confine and contain, but challenges arose as the fire grew overnight when aerial firefighting resources were limited. Additionally, the fires damaged a nearby water treatment plant, releasing toxic chlorine gas and forcing firefighters to retreat from critical areas.

Currently, the Dragon Bravo Fire has consumed about 5,000 acres, while the White Sage Fire covers approximately 50,000 acres. Due to the ongoing fire activity and risks, the NPS announced that the North Rim will remain closed to visitors for the rest of the 2025 season.

Arizona's deadly 2024

Arizona's 2024 wildfire season was notably severe, with 2,162 wildfires reported across the state, a 15% increase from 2023. These fires collectively scorched over 280,000 acres of land. The season was characterized by extreme conditions, including prolonged drought, high temperatures, and low humidity, which contributed to the rapid spread of fires.

The Freeman Fire in Pinal County was the largest, burning 32,568 acres from July 11 to 18, 2024. Other significant fires included the Wildcat Fire in the Tonto National Forest, which consumed 14,402 acres, and the Element Fire near Kingman, which burned 5,364 acres.

Human activities were responsible for approximately 64% of the fires, with common causes including debris burning, equipment usage, and target shooting. The state also faced challenges from lightning-caused fires, particularly during the monsoon season.