A wildfire that tore through a historic Grand Canyon Lodge​ had been allowed to burn for days before erupting over the weekend, raising questions about federal officials' decision not to aggressively attack it right away.

The fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon started from a lightning strike but was managed as a controlled burn until it spread.

PHOENIX — Residents on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon have been ordered to evacuate due to a fire in Grand Canyon National Park. The fire, named the Dragon Bravo Fire, is approximately 5,716 acres and has 0% containment. It was caused by lightning on July 4, officials with the National Park Service said.

All wood-burning and charcoal fires, such as campfires and charcoal barbecues, are prohibited. In addition, visitors and residents can only use liquid petroleum appliances like stoves, lanterns or heating devices in an empty area or one that doesn’t have flammable materials within three feet.

The National Park Service is pushing back against members of Congress who accused the agency of allowing the Dragon Bravo Fire to spin out of control on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.

A new report has calculated that making national parks the responsibility of states would raise costs, cut revenue and reduce access for Arizonans.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place at the Grand Canyon National Park due to high fire danger. On July 17, 2025, stage 2 fire restrictions came in effect for the South Rim and all areas of the park.

The Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona has destroyed dozens of structures and a water treatment facility on the Grand Canyon's North Rim.

The Grand Canyon Lodge was the park's one and only hotel, according the National Park Service, with the next nearest lodgings roughly 18 miles away.

What fueled the explosive growth of the Dragon Bravo Fire was a mix of gusty winds, dry air and above-normal heat – weather conditions experts described as atypical for this time of year, when monsoonal moisture typically tamps down wildfire risk across Arizona.

The Dragon Bravo Fire started on July 4 and was managed at first as a controlled burn. Then the wind picked up, and it quickly became uncontrollable.