GRAND CANYON, AZ.—The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior the evening of July 12, resulting in a 500-acre expansion. Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area.
On July 12, at approximately 10:30 p.m., fire activity intensified rapidly, fueled by sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Firefighters made significant efforts overnight to slow the fire’s progression under dangerous and fast-changing conditions.
Aerial bucket drops were conducted to slow fire movement near the Grand Canyon Lodge and Transept Canyon. However, the use of aerial retardant was not feasible due to a chlorine gas leak at the water treatment facility, which required the evacuation of firefighting personnel from critical zones nearby.
Preliminary assessments indicate that between 50 to 80 structures have been lost, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or loss of life have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fire’s escalation.
The fire is being managed with an aggressive full suppression strategy. Fire behavior is still very active, driven by hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and continued strong wind gusts. On July 13, fire managers began ordering retardant drops on the east side of the developed area, including the Roaring Springs drainage, as suppression efforts continue.
With continued active fire behavior and ongoing risks to personnel and infrastructure, the North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Additionally, all inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds, and associated areas are closed until further notice, including:
• North Kaibab Trail
• South Kaibab Trail
• Bright Angel Trail
• Phantom Ranch
• Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will remain closed for the duration of the 2025 season. U.S. Route 89A is closed between Fredonia and Bitter Springs. The North Kaibab Ranger District of the National Forest is closed.
The primary objectives of current fire operations remain:
• Protecting the lives and safety of firefighting personnel and the public,
• Preserving the remaining structures on the North Rim, and
• Safeguarding cultural and natural resources within Grand Canyon National Park.
For the latest fire information and updates, visit the Dragon Bravo Fire InciWeb page. A fire information map can be found here: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasd-white-sage-fire
