Dragon Bravo Fire Now 10th Largest in Arizona

The Dragon Bravo Fire, sparked by lightning on July 4, has become the largest wildfire in the continental U.S. in 2025 and the 10th largest in Arizona since 1990, burning over 112,000 acres on the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The fire has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and at least 70 other structures, forcing the North Rim's closure for the 2025 season and shutting surrounding roads and areas. Containment has dropped to 8–9% as firefighters battle extreme heat, gusty winds, dry conditions, and fire-generated weather phenomena like pyrocumulus clouds. High temperatures and erratic behavior have erased earlier containment gains. Fire management teams continue full suppression efforts to protect infrastructure and cultural sites amid ongoing extreme heat warnings and little hope for rain. The Dragon Bravo Fire highlights the increasing threat of megafires in a warming, drier climate.