Dragon Bravo Fire Burns 5,700 Acres, North Rim Grand Canyon Closed

The Dragon Bravo Fire, ignited by lightning on July 4, 2025, has devastated the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and forcing the closure of the area. Initially managed as a controlled burn, the fire rapidly spread due to hot and windy conditions, scorching over 5,700 acres with no containment as of July 14. Despite the destruction of approximately 70 structures, no injuries have been reported. Visitors at the South Rim have witnessed the fire's impact, with many wearing masks to protect against the heavy smoke that has obscured sunsets and affected air quality. The fire's progression has been documented in a time-lapse video capturing the intense flames over several hours. In response to the wildfire, Arizona officials including Governor Katie Hobbs and Senator Ruben Gallego have called for an investigation into the early response by the managing agency, although National Park Service officials maintain the fire was expertly handled.