Gov. Hobbs demands inquiry into federal response to Grand Canyon Lodge fire

Gov. Katie Hobbs questioned the federal government’s handling of the Dragon Bravo Fire, which destroyed numerous structures on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.

Officials opted to manage the wildfire, which started July 4, as a controlled burn rather than immediately extinguish it.

The lightning-sparked fire had consumed between 50 and 80 structures and grown to 5,000 acres by July 13.

“I am incredibly saddened by the destruction of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and my heart goes out to every person impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim,” Hobbs said in a statement. “As someone who was born and raised in Arizona, I know what the Grand Canyon National Park means to so many people, not just in Arizona, but all over the world, and how devastating it is to see this damage done to one of Arizona’s most cherished landmarks.”

The lodge was the only hotel inside Grand Canyon National Park boundaries at the North Rim. Other lodging options near the main visitor hub of the North Rim are limited, with the closest more than a dozen miles further from the canyon’s edge.

Hobbs thanked the firefighters and first responders tasked with combating the blaze while calling for an independent investigation into the decision-making that resulted in devastation.

“An incident of this magnitude demands intense oversight and scrutiny into the federal government’s emergency response,” Hobbs said. “They must first take aggressive action to end the wildfire and prevent further damage. But Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park. While the flame was started with a lightning strike, the federal government chose to manage that fire as a controlled burn during the driest, hottest part of the Arizona summer.”

The fire was at 0% containment as of July 13. Here’s what to know about the Dragon Bravo Fire.

When did the Dragon Bravo Fire start?

The Dragon Bravo Fire began on July 4 due to a lightning strike within Grand Canyon National Park. About 70 firefighters were working the fire as of July 13.

What was the initial strategy for handling the wildfire?

Fire crews implemented a “confine/contain” strategy that allowed the fire to burn while limiting its spread when necessary, according to the Grand Canyon National Park’s Facebook page.

Officials reasoned that allowing the fire to burn would reduce the accumulation of organic fire fuels and allow nutrient-rich ash to support new plant growth.

How did the situation change?

The Dragon Bravo Fire grew rapidly on July 11 due to strong northwest gusts uncommon to the area, allowing the fire to jump multiple “containment features.”

The wildfire continued to grow on the evening of July 12, where it “exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior” and expanded by 500 acres.

Winds between 20 and 40 mph continued to fuel the fire. Damage to a water treatment facility by the fire caused chlorine gas to be released. Fire personnel evacuated the area due to the gas, which also prevented aerial retardant from being deployed.

How much damage has the fire caused?

So far, the Dragon Bravo fire has destroyed an estimated 50 to 80 structures. The structures include the Grand Canyon Lodge along with National Park Service administrative buildings, visitor facilities and historic cabins.

Aramark operated the Grand Canyon Lodge for the National Park Service.

“We are devastated by the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous other historic buildings at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim,” said Debbie Albert, an Aramark spokesperson. “We are grateful that all of our employees and guests have been safely evacuated, and we join the National Park Service in mourning the loss of these iconic and beloved structures.”

No deaths or injuries were reported, and all staff and North Rim residents were evacuated before the wildfire’s rapid escalation, according to the park officials.

What remains closed due to the fire?

The entire North Rim of the Grand Canyon remained closed as of July 13, along with all inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds and associated areas until further notice. Closed trails include North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens.

Park officials recommended that people planning to visit the South Rim check the air quality by visiting fire.airnow.gov.

Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@gannett.com or 602-444-2474. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hobbs calls for investigation into Dragon Bravo Fire response