Dragon Bravo Fire now 8% contained, gusty winds causing spot fires

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (ABC4) — The Dragon Bravo Fire was active on Saturday due to hot, dry weather conditions, according to an incident update on Sunday. Containment on the fire has now reached 8%.

The fire is currently burning at the North Rim of Grand Canyon. Containment of the fire is reportedly due to the southeast corner, where firefighters have made progress. The wildfire is currently moving north and east, officials said.

Spot fires have reportedly been forming off the east flank of the fire due to gusty winds.

Firefighters will continue to mitigate potential hazards surrounding structures in the Dragon Bravo Fire area, scouting for “potential reburn” in those areas. Crews reportedly suppressed multiple spot fires that formed east of Grand Canyon Highway (SR-67) on Saturday.

Moving forward, firefighters will be continuing to look for spot fires east of the wildfire and evaluating fire line northeast of Grand Canyon Highway on Kaibab National Forest land. Crews will also be building out fire line north of the fire’s perimeter.

Saturday’s weather was dry and sunny with mild evening cloud cover. High temperatures are expected today, July 20, with a slight chance of thunderstorms forecast for early next week. Smoke will reportedly stay visible from surrounding areas, including the South Rim of Grand Canyon. You can check local air quality here.

The following evacuations and closures are in place:

• 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 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. Boat Beach is open for river runners to stop and refill water. Evacuations established as part of the nearby White Sage Fire remain in effect for the Jacob Lake area,” the update states.

Evacuation information can be found through the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the area of the Dragon Bravo Fire has reportedly expanded.

The fire is currently mapped at 12,645 acres. For more information on the fire, visit the incident webpage here.