Day after day after day of "critical fire weather" has pushed the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to more than 44,000 acres and into the Kaibab National Forest.
Since Friday morning the fire has grown by more than 15,000 acres, to 44,429 by Sunday morning, according to the morning briefing report. The more than 1,000 firefighters tackling the blaze, aided by aerial bombardments of water and fire retardant, managed to hold containment at 26 percent of the fire's footprint.
Still, the weather was unrelenting: "Another dry, breezy day is expected today, with relative humidity reaching 10%. Incident meteorologists anticipate windspeeds to reach 15-24 mph with poor recoveries."
The winds on Saturday sent embers across Forest Service Road 610 and into the Saddle Mountain Wilderness in the Kaibab Forest, where they ignited spot fires. Inside the national park, the weather pushed the fire into previous fire scars near the Walhalla Plateau’s edge, southeast of the fire. Fire spread also entered the Milk Drainage, west of the Dragon Drainage, where it was expected to continue expanding under gusty southwest winds.
Two weeks ago the fire, which was sparked July 4 by lightning, was pushed by gusty winds that reached 40 mph at points into visitor facilities on the North Rim, claiming the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of historic log guest cabins and concessionaire facilities. Interior officials say they are committed to rebuilding the infrastructure, though some think the North Rim should be left wild.
Firefighters have been able to protect a historic relic from 90 years ago: the Tiyo Ridge Tree Tower, which is the last remaining tree tower on a living tree in the area.
“The Tiyo Ridge Tree Tower is one of the few standing and healthy tree towers in Grand Canyon National Park . This tower was established in 1935 during a period when at least 22 others were built to provide lookout points," a release explained. "Fearless Rangers would climb to the top and stand on crude platforms to search the surrounding areas for smoke. Rangers would ride many rough miles from tower to tower on horseback, and if they saw the smoke from a fire, they would ride their horses to the nearest telephone to report it. On the North Rim, the nearest phones were often located a few days ride away."
In anticipation of continued heightened fire behavior, fire crews were maintaining a presence around the Kaibab Lodge in the national forest and other infrastructure near the park's north entrance, "ensuring rapid response if needed. Crews completed structure and wildlife assessment and preparations in the House Rock area, northeast of the fire," the briefing mentioned.
The North Rim within the national park will remain closed for the rest of the 2025 season. While U.S. Route 89A has reopened, Grand Canyon Highway (state Route 67) remains closed. Kaibab Camper Village and Jacob Lake Inn and gas station are now accessible. The rest of the forest, including the Jacob Lake Campground, remains closed.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
