Dragon Bravo Fire rages overnight, over 70 structures lost

GRAND CANYON, Arizona (ABC4) — Fire activity on the Dragon Bravo Fire, located at Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim, remains “extremely active,” according to an incident update Monday.

The wildfire continued raging overnight with “heavy fire activity” amid high heat, winds, and a chlorine gas leak

at a North Rim water treatment facility. More than 70 structures along the North Rim, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, were lost over the weekend.

The following closures and evacuations remain in place:

• 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 also closed.

These closures have been enacted in part due to smoke accumulation in the inner canyon resulting from the wildfire. The accumulation has reportedly hindered emergency response access in the smoke-filled canyon.

Evacuations due to the nearby White Sage Fire are also in effect for the Jacob Lake area. Evacuation information can be found through the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office here.

More resources are currently being sent to the Dragon Bravo Fire, officials said. Aerial resources will be a main focus as part of an aggressive full suppression strategy. The blaze is currently mapped at 5716 acres with 0% containment.

“Monday’s weather forecast includes high temperatures, low humidities and strong wind gusts,” the update states. “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.”

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the area of the Dragon Bravo Fire. For more information on the Dragon Bravo Fire, visit the national wildfire incident website here.