Almost one month since the blaze began, containment has dropped for the Dragon Bravo Fire, which has ballooned to over 71,000 acres as of Tuesday morning. The Dragon Bravo Fire, which started on July 4, is burning south of the White Sage Fire area.
Dragon Bravo Fire
It has been reported that dozens of structures have been lost in the fire, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or deaths have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fireโs escalation. Dry conditions and harsh winds allowed the fire to grow and push north. Containment dropped from 28% to an estimated 13%. Grand Canyon National Park officials announced that Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place for the South Rim and all other areas of the park, effective immediately.
As part of those restrictions, all wood-burning and charcoal fires, including campfires and charcoal barbecues, are prohibited. The restrictions will be in place until “significant precipitation falls and fire danger levels subside.” Governor Hobbs visited the Dragon Bravo Fire on July 19, meeting with officials and gaining a firsthand look at the damage ahead of talks in D.C. The Coconino County Sheriffโs Office announced that the area around Jacob Lake had been placed back into โREADYโ evacuation status on July 23. US Highway 89A reopened to the public as of July 25. Highway 67 toward the Grand Canyon remains closed, fire officials say.
White Sage Fire
Crews are making containment progress on the White Sage Fire, which is burning in northern Arizona near the destructive Dragon Bravo Fire. The White Sage Fire is burning near Jacob Lake and Fredonia, near U.S. Highway 89A. It is believed to have been caused by lightning on July 9. It is estimated to be more than 59,065 acres with 83% containment, according to the latest data from the National Interagency Fire Center.
