Dragon Bravo Fire Remains Uncontained On Grand Canyon's North Rim

The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park continued to burn out of control on Friday, with firefighters split between fighting the flames and working to protect utilities and remaining buildings.

The aerial footage above was taken July 14 and shows smoke from the Dragon Bravo Fire. Taken from an incident aircraft, the video reveals smoke columns, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge (at about 1:32), and fire retardant along the rim. A Chinook helicopter is seen departing after a water drop, part of ongoing aerial support to cool hot spots and aid ground crews in full suppression efforts.

Since lightning sparked the fire on July 4 it has covered nearly 12,000 acres and destroyed dozens of buildings, including the historic and beloved Grand Canyon Lodge. Maps created by park staff showed destroyed buildings, including dozens of budget and deluxe guest cabins. Among the other concessions' buildings lost, in addition to the lodge, were public restroom facilities, housekeeping facilities, staff residences, laundry facilities, and a carpentry and blacksmith facility.

While the more than 650 firefighters received help overnight from cooler weather and higher humidity, fire bosses were concerned that Friday's weather outlook calling for higher temperatures and drier air would increase fire behavior for the weekend.

"Firefighters continue to mop up, secure remaining values, and remove standing dead trees located in the Admin Loop area of the park. Crews are working with utility companies to evaluate damage to power lines, generators and other infrastructure to reinstate park power in an effort to expedite the mop up and securing process," the daily fire briefing said. 

"Firefighters plan to assess nearby businesses, including the Kaibab Lodge, as the fire moves north. Firefighters continue to build fire line on the northeast perimeter of the fire and wrap the Kanabownits fire lookout tower to protect it from possible damage. Aerial resources will continue to support fire suppression as weather conditions allow."

In a message to his employees, Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable said the fire "has profoundly impacted our Grand Canyon community, particularly for our colleagues on the North Rim who have bravely faced this devastating event. Many have experienced traumatic conditions, with some losing their homes and cherished belongings."

"The challenges have not been limited to our North Rim team," he added. "South Rim employees and the Grand Canyon community in and out of the park have felt the weight of this fire, as many have deep personal connections to the North Rim. The destruction wrought by the fire is hard to fathom, and we acknowledge the emotional toll it has taken on all of us. In response to this crisis, we are adjusting our park management structure to better serve the needs of our affected employees, and the complex demands of the Grand Canyon."

The following areas remain closed to all visitor use: 

• North Kaibab Trail and South Kaibab Trail
• Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens. River exchanges are allowed to pass through this area at their discretion.
• Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground
• River Trail between Pipe Creek and the South Kaibab
• Tonto East between Havasupai Gardens and Tip Off
• All backcountry routes and canyoneering routes stemming from the North or South Kaibab, or the Bright Angel Trail.

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will remain closed for the duration of the 2025 season. U.S. Route 89A remains closed between Fredonia and Bitter Springs. The North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is closed.