Overview

• A lightning strike on July 4 sparked the Dragon Bravo fire, which has since destroyed around 70 structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge and North Rim Visitor Center.
• The National Park Service closed the North Rim for the rest of the 2025 season and evacuated about 900 residents and staff to protect public safety.
• Dry conditions and gusty southwest winds have driven recent flare-ups and hampered firefighting operations.
• Page and Fredonia officials are holding emergency community meetings as smoke from the fire raises health and business concerns.
• Cuts to federal land management staffing have come under scrutiny, prompting calls for an independent review of early containment strategies.