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July 16th
Firefighters continue to protect infrastructure; build fireline on Grand Canyon North Rim Dragon Bravo Fire
Fire Information Phone: 928-268-5610 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Media Phone: 928-465-7561
Acres: 9,289
Start Date: July 4, 2025
Location: Grand Canyon North Rim
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 529
Fuels: Mixed conifer, aspen regeneration and ponderosa pine
Containment: 0%
Latest Update: Aerial and ground firefighters continue to use a full suppression strategy to protect all remaining values at risk located within Grand Canyon National Park. While the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to grow on the park’s North Rim, it showed significantly decreased movement Tuesday in the Roaring Springs area.
Ongoing & Planned Operations: Firefighters spent Tuesday mopping up and protecting buildings and infrastructure. Hand crews and dozers worked to build fireline on the northeast perimeter of the fire using Cape Royal Road and Grand Canyon Highway (state Route 67) as holding features. On Wednesday, Helitack crews plan to protect the Roaring Springs pumphouse at the southeast corner of the fire. Crews will evaluate and protect structures near the northern park entrance while firefighters continue to build and strengthen fireline on the northeast perimeter of the fire.
Evacuations & Closures: The following areas remain closed to all visitor use:
• North Kaibab Trail and South Kaibab Trail
• Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens. River exchanges are allowed to pass through this area at their discretion.
• Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. River runners are not to stop at Boat Beach, but may continue to Pipe Creek beach for exchanges.
• River Trail between Pipe Creek and the South Kaibab
• Tonto East between Havasupai Gardens and Tip Off
• All backcountry routes and canyoneering routes stemming from the North or South Kaibab, or the Bright Angel Trail.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will remain closed for the duration of the 2025 season. U.S. Route 89A remains closed between Fredonia and Bitter Springs. The North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is closed. Evacuations established as part of the nearby White Sage Fire remain in effect for the Jacob Lake area. Evacuation information can be obtained through the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
Weather & Smoke: Tuesday’s temperatures remained dry and warm, consistent with the trends of previous days. Mild thunderstorms in the area produced minor outflow winds which did not affect the fire. Monsoonal moisture is present in Wednesday’s forecast with an 80% chance of precipitation Thursday. Predicted thunderstorms may result in gusty outflow winds that affect fire behavior and direction. Smoke will remain visible from surrounding areas, including the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Fire behavior remains extremely active.
More Information: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the area of the Dragon Bravo Fire.
July 15th
Firefighters continue protecting remaining park structures on Dragon Bravo Fire
Fire Information Phone: 928-268-5610 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Media Phone: 928-465-7561
Acres: 8,570
Start Date: July 4, 2025
Location: Grand Canyon North Rim
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 366
Fuels: Mixed conifer, aspen regeneration and ponderosa pine
Containment: 0%
Latest Update: Firefighters continue to use an aggressive full suppression strategy on the Dragon Bravo Fire working both daytime and nighttime operational shifts. Existing closures and evacuations remain in place. Firefighters are working to protect remaining structures on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, build and strengthen containment lines and hold the fire to as small a perimeter as possible.
Ongoing & Planned Operations: Firefighter and public safety remains the number one priority of the Dragon Bravo Fire. Firefighters are working to preserve remaining structures on the North Rim. Hand crews and dozers are building fire lines to the north and west of the fire perimeter. A local hazardous materials response team assessed a weekend chlorine gas leak and found the aerial release of chemicals has ceased and air samples found no detectable levels of hazardous vapors remaining in the immediate area.
Evacuations & Closures: Due to the smoke accumulation in the inner canyon resulting from the Dragon Bravo Fire, and impaired emergency response access in the smoke-filled canyon, the following areas remain closed to all visitor use:
North Kaibab Trail and South Kaibab Trail
Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens. River exchanges are allowed to pass through this area at their discretion.
Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. River runners are not to stop at Boat Beach, but may continue to Pipe Creek beach for exchanges.
River Trail between Pipe Creek and the South Kaibab
Tonto East between Havasupai Gardens and Tip Off
All backcountry routes and canyoneering routes stemming from the North or South Kaibab, or the Bright Angel Trail.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will remain closed for the duration of the 2025 season. U.S. Route 89A remains closed between Fredonia and Bitter Springs. The North Kaibab Ranger District of the National Forest is closed. Evacuations established as part of the nearby White Sage Fire are in effect for the Jacob Lake area. Evacuation information can be obtained through the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
Weather & Smoke: Hot and dry weather conditions were present in the fire area Monday with gusty erratic winds due to nearby thunderstorms. Slightly lower temperatures and slightly higher humidities are anticipated during the day Tuesday. Smoke will remain visible from surrounding areas, including the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Fire behavior remains extremely active.
More Information: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the area of the Dragon Bravo Fire.
July 14th
Firefighters working to suppress Dragon Bravo Fire; Complex Incident Management Team assumes command of fire
Fire Information Phone: 928-268-5610 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Media Phone: 928-465-7561
Acres: 5,716
Start Date: July 4, 2025
Location: Grand Canyon North Rim
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 295
Fuels: Mixed conifer, aspen regeneration and ponderosa pine
Containment: 0%
Latest Update: Fire activity on the Dragon Bravo Fire remains high-to-extreme with heavy fire activity occurring overnight. More than 70 structures on the North Rim, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, were lost during the weekend’s fire activity. Crews are working daytime and nighttime operational shifts. More resources are being directed toward the Dragon Bravo Fire, and heavy aerial resource use will continue as part of an aggressive full suppression strategy. Closures and evacuations remain in place.
Ongoing & Planned Operations: Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 assumed command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority of the Dragon Bravo Fire. Firefighters are working to preserve remaining structures on the North Rim and protect cultural and natural resources within Grand Canyon National Park. A hazmat response is mitigating effects from Saturday’s chlorine gas leak at the water treatment facility.
Evacuations & Closures: Due to the smoke accumulation in the inner canyon resulting from Dragon Bravo Fire, and impaired emergency response access in the smoke-filled canyon, the following areas are closed to all visitor use:
North Kaibab Trail and South Kaibab Trail
Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Garden. River exchanges are allowed to pass through this area at their discretion.
Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. River runners are not to stop at Boat Beach, but may continue to Pipe Creek beach for exchanges.
River Trail between Pipe Creek and the South Kaibab
Tonto East between Havasupai Garden and Tip Off
All backcountry routes and canyoneering routes stemming from the North or South Kaibab, or the Bright Angel Trail.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will remain closed for the duration of the 2025 season.
U.S. Route 89A is closed between Fredonia and Bitter Springs. The North Kaibab Ranger District of the National Forest is closed.
Evacuations established as part of the nearby White Sage Fire are in effect for the Jacob Lake area. Evacuation information can be obtained through the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
Weather & Smoke: Monday’s weather forecast includes high temperatures, low humidities and strong wind guests. Smoke will remain visible from surrounding areas, including the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Residents and visitors impacted by the smoke are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions at fire.airnow.gov. Fire behavior remains extremely active.
More Information: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the area of the Dragon Bravo Fire.
July 13th
The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior the evening of July 12, resulting in a 500-acre expansion. Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area.
On July 12, at approximately 10:30 p.m., fire activity intensified rapidly, fueled by sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Firefighters made significant efforts overnight to slow the fire’s progression under dangerous and fast-changing conditions.
Aerial bucket drops were conducted to slow fire movement near the Grand Canyon Lodge and Transept Canyon. However, the use of aerial retardant was not feasible due to a chlorine gas leak at the water treatment facility, which required the evacuation of firefighting personnel from critical zones nearby.
Preliminary assessments indicate that between 50 to 80 structures have been lost, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or loss of life have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fire’s escalation.
The fire is being managed with an aggressive full suppression strategy. Fire behavior is still very active, driven by hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and continued strong wind gusts. On July 13, fire managers began ordering retardant drops on the east side of the developed area, including the Roaring Springs drainage, as suppression efforts continue.
With continued active fire behavior and ongoing risks to personnel and infrastructure, the North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Additionally, all inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds, and associated areas are closed until further notice, including:
North Kaibab TrailSouth Kaibab TrailPhantom RanchBright Angel Trail below Havasupai GardensThe primary objectives of current fire operations remain:
—Protecting the lives and safety of firefighting personnel and the public,
—Preserving the remaining structures on the North Rim, and
—Safeguarding cultural and natural resources within Grand Canyon National Park.
July 12th
The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park grew quickly overnight, jumping over several fire control lines. Some North Rim facilities have been impacted, but there are no reports of injuries or loss of life. All park staff, concession employees, and residents have been safely evacuated.
Due to a potential chlorine gas leak related to the fire, the following trails are closed until further notice:
North Kaibab TrailSouth Kaibab TrailPhantom Ranch areaThe North Rim remains closed to all visitor use, while the South Rim is open and operational.
Fire crews on the North Rim are engaging the fire under a full suppression strategy, and public and firefighter safety remains the park’s top priority.
The North Rim of the park remains closed until further notice to support firefighting operations and ensure public safety for the Dragon Bravo fire and the nearby White Sage Fire.
Also: The North Kaibab Trail is temporarily closed north of Manzanita Rest Area because of the fires.
July 11th
As of 8:45 p.m. on July 11, the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is estimated at 1,500 acres. Due to increased fire activity, mandatory evacuation orders were issued earlier today for North Rim residents.
The North Rim remains closed to all visitor use until further notice to support firefighting operations and ensure public safety for this fire and the nearby White Sage Fire.
Smoke is expected to remain visible from the South Rim, and air quality conditions may vary depending on fire behavior and wind patterns.
Fire management personnel continue working in coordination with interagency partners. Updates will be provided as conditions evolve.
July 10th
Due to the advancing Dragon Bravo Fire within Grand Canyon National Park, all North Rim residents are now in “GO” status and should evacuate immediately.
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Last night, Grand Canyon staff safely evacuated approximately 500 guests from the North Rim due to the White Sage Fire. All visitors have left the area, and park employees and residents remain sheltering in place.
Day use access to the North Rim is closed until further notice. While the park is coordinating with fire officials, the Bureau of Land Management is the lead agency for this incident.
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PARK ALERT Due to the advancing White Sage Fire, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Fredonia, ALL visitors on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are required to evacuate immediately. The fire is moving toward Jacob Lake, AZ, which is currently under evacuation orders.
Highway 89A to Fredonia is closed. Highway 89A east toward Lees Ferry and Page remains OPEN.
Evacuees should travel calmly at a normal rate of speed and stay on paved roads only.
North Rim day use is closed until further notice.
PLEASE NOTE: This fire is not related to the Dragon Bravo Fire, a lightning-caused fire being managed for resource objectives south of the Basin.July 10th
The Dragon Bravo Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, continues to show moderate fire activity as it burns in a remote area south of the Basin near the W1 Road. Sparked by lightning on July 4, the fire has grown steadily over the past few days and is currently estimated at approximately 120 acres.
There is currently no threat to public safety or developed areas, though smoke is visible from both the North and South Rim developed areas.
The fire continues to be managed under a confine and contain strategy, which allows for the natural role of fire on the landscape while minimizing the risk to infrastructure and park values.
As of today, approximately 61 personnel are assigned to the incident. A Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command on July 9 to assist with fire management operations. Weather conditions remain favorable for moderate fire behavior, with sunny skies and light winds contributing to a steady rate of spread.
The following areas of Grand Canyon National Park are closed to all visitor use: the Tiyo Point Trail, the Widforss Trail, the Widforss Forest Trail, the NG9 Outlet Canyon Use Area, the NF9 Widforss Use Area, and all NPS lands above the Coconino Sandstone between Dragon Creek and Transept Canyon that are south of the W-1 Point Sublime Road. The W-1 Point Sublime Road is closed between the W-4 segment and at the Arizona Trail crossing. The Arizona Trail remains open. See attached map. The closure began on July 9th, 2025, and will extend to August 9th, 2025, or as soon as the area is safe, whichever is first.
July 9th
North Rim – Dragon Bravo Fire 
– Update (Wed. July 9, 2025)
– Update (Wed. July 9, 2025)ALERT: The Widforss Trail and trailhead parking is temporarily CLOSED due to the fire.
Smoke seen settling in the canyon early in the morning is from the Dragon Bravo Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire burning on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Yesterday it was estimated at 27 acres.
The fire is located south of the Basin near the W1 Road and continues to be managed for resource benefit objectives using a confine/contain strategy. This means the fire is being allowed to fulfill its natural role within a defined area, while firefighters take action to limit its spread where necessary. There are no threats to infrastructure or public safety at this time.
Sunny weather and light winds contributed to moderate fire behavior and growth yesterday. Fire crews continue to monitor the fire closely, using real-time weather data and on-the-ground observations to guide management decisions.
Naturally ignited wildfires play an essential role in fire-dependent ecosystems like the North Rim by:
Reducing heavy fuel accumulations and converting dead wood to nutrient-rich ashStimulating new plant growth and maintaining habitat diversityHelping regulate insects and diseaseCreating a mosaic of burned and unburned vegetation, which can slow future wildfiresSmoke remains visible from the North Rim developed area, South Rim Historic District, and may be noticeable from roads throughout the park.
July 7th
Dragon Bravo Fire – North Rim A lightning-caused wildfire known as the Dragon Bravo Fire is burning on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 10 acres and is located south of the Basin near the W1 Road.
The fire is being managed for resource objectives, which means it is being used to help maintain a healthy, resilient landscape in the fire-adapted ecosystem of the North Rim.
Smoke is visible from the North Rim developed area, the South Rim Historic District, and may also be noticeable from main roads throughout the park.
Wildland fire crews are actively monitoring the fire. There are no threats to infrastructure or public safety at this time.
We’ll continue to share updates as needed.