Dragon Bravo Fire destroys Grand Canyon Lodge and 50 to 80 structures, ArizonaDragon Bravo Fire destroyed between 50 and 80 structures on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, after igniting on July 4, 2025. The North Rim has been closed for the remainder of the 2025 season due to fire damage and chemical hazards.
Dragon Bravo Fire ignited on July 4, following a lightning strike on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
As of July 14, it has destroyed between 50 and 80 structures and burned more than 5 000 acres (2 023 hectares). Among the structures lost is the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, a National Historic Landmark built in 1927 and rebuilt in 1937.
Fire activity intensified rapidly, driven by sustained winds of 32 km/h (20 mph) and gusts reaching up to 64 km/h (40 mph). Firefighters reported making significant efforts to slow the fire’s progression under hazardous and rapidly changing conditions.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), the Dragon Bravo Fire exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior on Saturday evening, resulting in a 202 ha (500 acre) expansion. Fire managers confirmed the destruction of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area. As of July 12 the wildfire has burned more than 2 023 ha (5 000 acres) and remains 0 % contained.
NPS officials stated that aerial bucket drops were conducted to slow the fire’s movement near the lodge; however, a chlorine gas leak at the nearby water treatment facility led to the evacuation of firefighting personnel from critical zones.
Officials added that chlorine gas can quickly settle into lower elevations, such as the inner canyon, posing a health risk.
The fire was ignited by lightning on July 4, according to park officials. Approximately 70 personnel continue efforts to control the blaze, which has burned more than 2 023 ha (5 000 acres) in the North Rim area of the Grand Canyon, south of the Basin.
No deaths or injuries have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated before the fire escalated, according to NPS officials.
In addition to the North Rim closure, the NPS announced that all inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds, and associated areas are closed until further notice.
Firefighters are also battling the White Sage Fire, which has burned through more than 16 187 ha (40 000 acres) just north of the North Rim, further straining available resources and personnel.