Dragon Bravo

## Dragon Bravo Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Dragon Bravo Fire was ignited by lightning on July 4, 2025, on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. **Size and Containment**: As of July 28, 2025, the fire has burned over 55,000 acres and is approximately 13% contained. Containment has fluctuated, dropping from 26% to 13% in the past few days due to significant fire growth. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is burning through mixed conifer, aspen regeneration, and ponderosa pine. In the last 72 hours, the fire has experienced significant growth, with reports of a 3 to 4-mile push to the north, particularly on the western flanks. Extreme fire behavior has been observed, including pyrocumulus columns reaching heights of 24,000 feet. The fire has been driven by critically dry conditions and strong southwest winds, with humidity levels dropping as low as 8-10% and winds gusting over 25 mph. Spot fires have been forming off the east flank and have been confirmed in North Canyon. The fire is expected to continue pushing northeast. **Containment Efforts**: Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Two has taken command of the fire. Suppression efforts are focused on securing existing containment lines, preparing contingency lines, and protecting values at risk, including the Kaibab Lodge and infrastructure within the park. Firefighters are working to hold and deepen containment along Forest Road 610 and are evaluating contingency line options. Efforts also include structure protection around the Kaibab Lodge and other historic structures. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Mandatory Evacuation Orders**: All North Rim residents were ordered to evacuate on July 11, 2025. Coconino County has issued evacuation orders for communities along State Route 67 between the North Rim and Jacob Lake. **Evacuation Warnings**: Evacuation warnings are in place for the Jacob Lake area as part of the nearby White Sage Fire. **Evacuation Shelters and Information**: Information about current closures and evacuation status can be obtained through the Coconino County Sheriff's Office. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** * Southbound State Route 67 is closed south of Jacob Lake. * Grand Canyon Highway (State Route 67) remains closed. * The North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Campground are closed until further notice. * The North Rim developed area of Grand Canyon National Park is closed for the remainder of the 2025 season due to damage and losses from the wildfire. * U.S. Route 89A has reopened. **For more information, visit:** * [Grand Canyon National Park North Rim Status]: https://www.nps.gov/grca/northrimstatus.htm * [InciWeb - Dragon Bravo Fire]: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azgcp-dragon-bravo-fire * [Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 Facebook Page]: https://www.facebook.com/SWAIMT4/ ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Structures Impacted**: The fire has destroyed dozens of structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim Visitor Center, and numerous guest cabins. Approximately 70 structures have been lost. The North Water Treatment Facility was also destroyed, releasing chlorine gas and hampering firefighting efforts. **Injuries and Fatalities**: No injuries or loss of life have been reported in connection with the Dragon Bravo Fire. **School and Business Closures**: The North Rim developed area of Grand Canyon National Park is closed for the remainder of the 2025 season, impacting lodging and visitor services. Kaibab Camper Village and Jacob Lake Inn and gas station are now accessible, but the rest of the forest, including Jacob Lake Campground, remains closed. **Notable Impacts**: The loss of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, built in 1928, is a significant cultural and economic impact. The fire is also impacting the Kaibab Lodge, located outside the park's north entrance, with firefighters taking preventative measures. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages**: No specific power outage information has been reported for the Dragon Bravo Fire. **Water Safety**: A chlorine gas leak occurred when the North Rim Water Treatment Facility was destroyed, posing a hazard to firefighters. **Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions**: Fire restrictions are in effect throughout Grand Canyon National Park. **Air Quality**: Smoke from the Dragon Bravo Fire is visible from surrounding areas, including the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Residents and visitors impacted by smoke are advised to monitor local air quality conditions at outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net. Smoke is expected to disperse to the northeast during the day and settle back into the Grand Canyon in the evenings and overnight. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: Fire managers are focused on active suppression and securing containment lines, but the extreme fire behavior and critical weather conditions present ongoing challenges. The fire is expected to continue pushing northeast. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: Arizona is experiencing a historic dry air mass with critically low humidity and gusty winds. Southwest winds are expected to continue, aligning with fuel beds and promoting fast spread. Forecasts indicate continued hot, dry, and breezy conditions with poor overnight humidity recovery. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The Dragon Bravo Fire was caused by lightning. **Weather and Climate**: The fire's behavior and spread are significantly influenced by extreme weather conditions, including record-breaking dry air, high temperatures, and strong, gusty winds. The lack of monsoon activity has contributed to increased fire danger. The fire's progression is exacerbated by the dry fuel beds and the alignment of southwest winds with these fuels. ### **For more information, visit:** * [InciWeb - Dragon Bravo Fire]: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azgcp-dragon-bravo-fire * [Grand Canyon National Park Alerts & Conditions]: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/current-conditions.htm * [Arizona Emergency Information Network - Wildfires]: https://ein.az.gov/emergency-information/wildfires

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