The lightning-caused wildfire that consumed roughly 70 structures seemed unremarkable for days. High winds changed that.

Crews fighting the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon have successfully safeguarded a critical drinking water pumphouse.

Lightning started the Dragon Bravo Fire on July 4, 2025. The fire was burning in the ponderosa pine forest within the northern national park boundaries, consuming 5,000 acres. The entire North Rim of the Grand Canyon was closed. The fire had burned between 50 and 80 structures on the North Rim, according to park officials.

Officials are reminding tourists that the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is still open for business despite the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim.

The visitor center and a wastewater treatment plant were among the 50 to 80 structures lost, the park superintendent said. The area was evacuated Thursday.

Grand Canyon National Park evacuated Phantom Ranch and areas of the inner canyon after the rapidly growing Dragon Bravo Fire led to the leak of poisonous gas.

A Grand Canyon water treatment facility located at the North Rim caught fire on Saturday, causing chlorine gas to be released into the air. Multiple closures are being enforced due to the incident.