Editor's note: This updates with new acreage numbers from the National Park Service.
Control of the unrelenting Dragon Bravo Fire was cut in half Sunday as crews battled extreme fire behavior, continued southwest winds and critically dry conditions.
"Containment has decreased to 13 percent following updated perimeter mapping and recent fire growth," a Monday morning update said. "Yesterday saw a significant push 3 to 4 miles to the north, particularly on the western flanks."
Containment was at 26 percent Saturday. The fire, sparked by lightning on July 4, has burned through more than 55,000 acres of land, or about 85 square miles. It destroyed several visitor facilities on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of historic log guest cabins.
The Monday update also noted that the fire produced pyrocumulus columns towering to heights of 24,000 feet. The massive clouds form when the intense heat of a fire pushes the air upward, where it cools and leads to water vapor condensation.
The blaze was expected to continue pushing northeast throughout the day, fueled by southwest winds ripping through parched vegetation and trees including aspens, conifers and ponderosa pines. Firefighters are being warned to be alert for rapidly changing conditions.
"The fire remains under the influence of a historic dry air mass," according to Monday's update. "Relative humidity dropped to 10 percent as winds gusted over 25 mph across the fire area. Forecasts for today call for near identical conditions: hot, dry, and breezy with continued poor overnight recovery."
"Overnight recovery" refers to the continued lack of humidity after the sun goes down.
Operators of the Kaibab Lodge, located in the Kaibab National Forest outside the north entrance of the park, expressed concern for their location.
"The Dragon Bravo Fire is rapidly approaching our beloved Kaibab Lodge—more than just a building, it's a place woven with memories, laughter, and generations of awe," a social media post said. "As smoke darkens the skies, our hearts ache for this cherished refuge in the pines. We hold on to hope that it can be saved."
Smoke from the fire remains visible from surrounding areas, including the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Residents and visitors can monitor local air quality at AirNow.gov and should also check the park website for the latest updates.
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.
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