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.

Gov. Katie Hobbs questioned why the U.S. government decided to manage the Dragon Bravo fire, which started with a lightning strike, as a “controlled burn” during the height of the summer.

Over 1,000 people have been assigned to fight the Dragon Bravo Fire burning near the Grand Canyon and the White Sage Fire burning farther north.

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Stage 2 fire restrictions will go into effect July 17 for Grand Canyon National Park due to the high threat of wildfire danger in the region. The U.S. Department of Interior said the restrictions will be applied to the South Rim and all other areas of the park.

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.

Arizona's governor has demanded an investigation into why a wildfire that destroyed a historic lodge and dozens of other structures on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was allowed to burn for a week before federal firefighters tried to put it out.

The Dragon Bravo Fire has destroyed dozens of structures and a water treatment facility, and the White Sage Fire, located in Kaibab National Forest, has forced hundreds to evacuate.