Firefighting Efforts Intensify at Grand Canyon
At Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim, nearly 400 firefighters are battling the Dragon Bravo Fire, which has already consumed 8,570 acres and destroyed 70 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. The fire, ignited by lightning, is proving challenging due to unpredictable winds brought on by nearby thunderstorms.
Efforts to contain the fire are ongoing, with crews focusing on protecting remaining structures and minimizing the fire’s spread. Firefighters are employing bulldozers and hand tools to construct containment lines along the northern and western perimeters of the blaze.
Complications arose over the weekend when a chlorine gas leak stalled firefighting operations. However, a Hazmat team from Flagstaff confirmed that the chemical release had ceased, and air quality tests showed no harmful chlorine levels.
Evacuation orders are still in effect for nearly 1,000 square miles of Coconino County, north of the canyon, as a result of both the Dragon Bravo Fire and the nearby White Sage Fire. In addition, all corridor trails within the canyon are closed, except for the Bright Angel Trail above Havasupai Gardens. Only individuals involved in river trips at Pipe Creek are allowed passage, while rafting excursions have been instructed to avoid Phantom Ranch.
Transportation is also impacted, with U.S. Route 89A closed between Fredonia and Bitter Springs. Meanwhile, the White Sage Fire, located 15 miles southwest of Fredonia, has expanded to 51,900 acres. This fire has rapidly grown in recent days, advancing by as much as seven miles in a single day due to strong winds.
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