On July 4th, 2025, lightning struck in the Grand Canyon near the North Rim. Due to the constant scorching heat this summer, the strike quickly escalated into a wildfire, and it has become worse than anyone imagined. The hot temperatures combined with low humidity and strong winds have fueled the fire greatly. Because of its massive size and long duration, this wildfire is now considered a megafire and is the largest fire in Arizona history. This fire, known as the Dragon Bravo Fire, is the first one on record to have burned both inside and outside of the canyon’s basin. This scenario has always technically been possible, but it has never actually happened until now. Scientists say that the reason for this is because dry grasses and other vegetation are more abundant inside the basin. Despite all of this, much of the park is still open, mainly near the south rim.
As of August 20th, the Dragon Bravo Fire is 62% contained; however, it is constantly growing, which is reducing the containment despite ongoing efforts. By August 20th, it had burned over 145,500 acres. Not only that, but it has also done significant damage to the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and nearly 100 other major structures.
The Grand Canyon Lodge was one of the most favored buildings in the area. Built in a serene area more than 5,000 feet above the bottom of the canyon, the lodge was a favorite for many and attracted people from all over the world. Davy Crockett, the vice president of Grand Canyon Historical Society, says, “It’s more of a quiet, peaceful, less commercial place.” Another person said, “It’s like stepping back in another time when you go to the North Rim… we really wanted to visit the lodge because of the different vibe the North Rim has.” Many people who have stayed in the cabin have said that they are devastated about the loss of the lodge and were able to reminisce about old memories that they had there. However, it’s not the first time disaster has struck this beautiful place. Gilbert Stanley Underwood, the architect who built the original lodge, made it completely out of pine wood and limestone, hoping to make it fit in with the rustic hillside. However, a kitchen fire occurred just four years after the building’s completion in 1928, destroying the entire structure within 30 minutes. Although they were able to rebuild the lodge all those years ago, this time they might not be able to because of funding.
Recently, a new problem emerged regarding the containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire. The fire caused a water treatment facility building to burn down, which caused a chlorine gas leak. This water treatment facility was the only water source for the park facilities on the North and South rims. This includes visitor lodging, park service housing, and more. Not only this, but the fire also damaged some of the water pipes in the area, which left firefighting crews having to haul large water trucks in to put out the fire. Not only does this make it much harder to extinguish the megafire, but it also raises concerns regarding contamination risks to the water system.
The severe heat and drought this summer has not only sparked the Dragon Bravo fire but many others as well. There is actually another major fire in the Grand Canyon fire currently. It is called the White Sage fire. It has burned over 59,070 acres but is nearly contained. In Colorado, the Lee fire has burned over 137,755 acres and is close to being the fourth largest fire in Colorado history. As of August 21, it was about 68% contained. Not only that, but the Gifford fire in California has also been very destructive, burning nearly 131,589 acres as of August 20th. As of then, it was about 95% contained. The constant heat and occasional high winds are perfect conditions for wildfires to ignite. With the help of our amazing firefighting crews, we can do whatever it takes to put them out as quickly as possible. Although the damage that fires cause can be devastating, it makes it easier for new growth to follow in its path. Ash has positive effects on plants and improves their health and growth. This shows that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and even the saddest things can have the best effects.
Cites
https://www.iqair.com/kw/newsroom/wildfire-map-spotlight-north-rim-fires-arizona
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2025/07/16/grand-canyon-lodge-fire-history/
https://news.azpm.org/s/101528-dragon-bravo-fire-is-1st-wildfire-on-record-to-have-burned-both-in-and-outside-grand-canyons-basin/
https://theconversation.com/grand-canyons-dragon-bravo-megafire-shows-the-growing-wildfire-threat-to-water-systems-263104
https://www.thecentersquare.com/arizona/article_7339885f-02c2-45fb-b850-417134714231.html
https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/local/colorado/2025/08/20/colorado-wildfires-derby-fire-prompts-evacuations/85747786007/
