The Dragon Bravo Fire: Devastation at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim

Grand Canyon North Rim fire

A lightning-sparked blaze dubbed the Dragon Bravo Fire has burned roughly 5,700 acres (see update below) on the North Rim since it ignited on July 4. Intense winds on July 12 drove rapid expansion that leveled the historic 1930’s Grand Canyon Lodge and at least 70–80 additional structures; containment remains at 0 %. The National Park Service has closed the entire North Rim for the remainder of the 2025 season, evacuated all visitors and staff, and shut interior trails— including Phantom Ranch— after a chlorine-gas leak from a fire-damaged water-treatment plant. No injuries are reported

UPDATE: August 5, 2025

As of August 5 the Dragon Bravo fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the largest wildfire currently burning in the continental United States. Since its start on July 4, the fire has burned over 116,500 acres. Over 1200 firefighters are working on the blaze which is only 12% contained. The fire has destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge, along with numerous other park buildings and has closed the North Rim of the Grand Canyon through the end of the year.

Source: AZ Emergency information Network