Interior Department officials are committed to "rebuilding" the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park that's been partially overrun by a lightning-ignited fire that claimed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, dozens of guest cabins, and concessionaire facilities.
That word comes after Deputy Interior Secretary Kate MacGregor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and Acting National Park Service Director Jessica Bowron made an unannounced visit to the national park on July 19 for an update on firefighting operations.
"Their visit underscored the Department of the Interior’s and National Park Service’s strong support for our ongoing response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and their commitment to the future of the North Rim," Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable said this week in his "weekly wrap-up" for park employees and the public.
"The Department and NPS leadership expressed strong commitment to securing the resources necessary to rebuild the North Rim and support affected employees," he added Thursday.
Joining the federal officials was Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, who "expressed her support for the park and interest in working with us to address long-term recovery," according to Keable.
Interior and Park Service officials have publicly been silent about the fire, which as of Friday morning had spread across nearly 29,000 acres since its start by a lightning strike near the rim's Dragon Creek on the Fourth of July. That silence has been criticized by U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, who wrote a letter to President Donald Trump demanding answers for how the fire was able to destroy the lodge.
Hobbs and Arizona's congressional delegation also have demanded answers from Interior and Park Service officials. The governor has called for a “comprehensive and independent investigation” into how the fire was managed, while U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., sought answers from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, telling him in a letter, “You must understand my confusion regarding why the NPS chose not immediately to extinguish this wildfire amid the record heat wave and long-term drought.”
On Friday, extremely dry conditions, with humidity levels dropping into single digits and gusty winds kicking up flames, confronted firefighters trying to gain the upper hand on the Dragon Bravo Fire. So far they've managed to gouge fire lines around about 26 percent of the fire's footprint.
"Thursday brought record-breaking dry conditions to the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park," the morning fire briefing said. "Firefighters held control lines and are preparing for increased activity in the coming days as critically low humidity and gusty winds persist through the week."
To prepare for the possibility of the fire moving north into the Kaibab National Forest, firefighters were improving defensive measures around the Kaibab Lodge and its cabins, gas station, and other infrastructure.
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.
