Katie Hobbs surveys severe fire damage at Grand Canyon's North Rim

On July 19, 2025, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs toured the destruction caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This wildfire, which has scorched over 11,742 acres and destroyed numerous structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, prompted the closure of the North Rim for the season. Helicopter footage revealed a landscape marred by blazes, with officials reporting the fire was only 2% contained at the time of her visit. The situation was made more severe by exceptionally dry and hot weather conditions that exacerbated the fire's spread. Thick smoke and remnants of burned trees were visible during the helicopter tour. Hobbs described the event as "devastating." Following the aerial assessment, she visited a fire camp where over 800 personnel were stationed, heightening efforts to combat and contain the blaze. While on site, Hobbs engaged with firefighters and officials from various agencies. Her visit not only served to gather information about ongoing suppression efforts but also highlighted the need for community and federal collaboration in handling such emergencies. With the fire still growing, Hobbs reiterated her concerns regarding the initial management of the fire, indicating that a controlled burn strategy during extreme weather was questionable. Amidst her tour, the governor called for a thorough investigation into how the fire started and how federal responses were managed. She has emphasized the importance of mitigation efforts moving forward, as authorities recognized the necessity for a proactive approach to prevent further catastrophic events. This fire's impact on both infrastructure and the environment has led to heightened discussions about fire management policies and the effectiveness of current federal wildfire strategies.