Donations will aid displaced families, firefighters, and park staff impacted by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage wildfires. Funds will support emergency lodging, meals, mental health services, debris removal, and small-business relief. Contributions may be channeled through community foundations, firefighter relief funds, park staff support trusts, and agencies like the Red Cross and local emergency relief nonprofits.
A lightning‑ignited wildfire known as the Dragon Bravo Fire erupted on July 4 on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Fueled by extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds, it rapidly grew to over 5,700 acres. The historic Grand Canyon Lodge—along with cabins, administrative buildings, and a water-treatment plant—was destroyed. A chlorine gas leak hampered firefighting efforts. Nearby, the White Sage Fire, also started by lightning, burned nearly 49,000 acres, prompting evacuations of park staff and hundreds of visitors. Officials closed the North Rim for the remainder of the season. Remarkably, all staff and visitors were evacuated safely; no injuries have been reported.
On July 4, a lightning strike sparked the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim, initially managed as a controlled burn. However, rapidly deteriorating weather conditions—high heat, low humidity, and gusty winds—caused the fire to escape containment lines. By July 12–13, it had consumed over 5,700 acres and destroyed 50–80 structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge and supporting facilities such as employee housing and visitor centers. The fire compromised a water-treatment plant, causing a significant chlorine gas leak that delayed aerial firefighting efforts. In response, authorities evacuated all North Rim staff, residents, and approximately 500 visitors.
Simultaneously, the White Sage Fire ignited on July 9 near Jacob Lake outside the park boundary. Fueled by erratic winds and arid fuels, it expanded tenfold within 24 hours—burning nearly 49,000 acres. This prompted mandatory evacuations in surrounding communities and closures of U.S. Highway 89A and additional park areas. Combined, the two wildfires left pathways blocked, power lines damaged, and air quality dangerously poor. Park managers closed the North Rim for the rest of the season and urged hikers to avoid heat-exposed areas in the inner canyon.
Fire crews, including ground teams and aerial tankers, are battling both fires under a newly formed Complex Incident Management Team. Recovery priorities now focus on assessing structural losses, restoring safe visitor facilities, and providing aid to affected personnel. With no injuries reported, investigations are underway to determine whether the decision to allow the lightning‑caused fire to burn was appropriate given the severe summer conditions. Governor and federal officials are calling for accountability and improved wildfire management strategies.
