Wildfire threatens Grand Canyon's North Rim
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.