The Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, having grown to 16,765 acres with a reported containment of 26%. The fire, which was sparked by lightning on July 4, has necessitated an array of closures and evacuations due to its expanding nature, according to information from the State of Ariona.
Firefighters are tasked to now focus on holding and deepening containment lines northeast of the fire along Forest Road 610. They also face preparing contingency plans along Forest Road 611 to quickly adapt should the primary boundaries fail to contain the blaze. The fire's progress has prompted a 'catcher's mitt' strategy through aerial ignitions, aimed to reduce spotting as the fire pushes east and north, as reported by the State of Ariona.
Activity on the fire's periphery has prompted additional resources to engage in line construction along Forest Road 233 to the northwest and the removal of hazard trees in the southeast quadrant to protect developed areas. As the crews make strategic moves, they brace for a surge of critical fire weather, defined by very low humidity and increased southwest winds, as detailed by the State of Ariona official website. The shift to a southerly wind later this week poses further challenges for the firefighting efforts.
Dense smoke from the fire will likely to remain visible from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and the public can monitor air quality via the website outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net. The ongoing incident has also prompted the closure of numerous trails, campgrounds, and routes within the Grand Canyon National Park, with the park's North Rim expected to remain closed for the duration of the 2025 season. According to the State of Ariona announcement, all visitor use has been shut down for several trails, Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens, the Phantom Ranch, and adjoining areas. Major highways have been impacted as well, with U.S. Route 89A experiencing closures in both directions near affected areas.
In addition to these closures, evacuations remain in place for Jacob Lake due to the nearby White Sage Fire. Those seeking more information on closures and evacuations can reach out to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office for updates. It is also noted that a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been broadened over the area, and usage of drones is strictly prohibited. Individuals looking for more details about the fire can contact the fire information line at (928) 268-5610 or check out the InciWeb page for the Dragon Bravo Fire for current updates.
