Arizona governor tours wildfire destruction along Grand Canyon's North Rim
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GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — On Saturday, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs visited the aftermath of a wildfire that ravaged the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, observing what she termed as significant destruction.

Governor Hobbs, who has initiated a request for a review of the wildfire’s management, was there to gather insights prior to her upcoming discussions with federal authorities. As she peered out from the Black Hawk helicopter that traced the path over the Grand Canyon, she observed the effects of the fire.

Smoke could still be seen rising from the North Rim, and much of the Grand Canyon Lodge was left as a skeletal frame, though some sections of the structure remained visible from above. The landscape below had trees reduced to blackened remnants against the gray earth, and faint traces of smoke wafted into the helicopter.

The wildfire was sparked by a lightning strike July 4. Four days later the National Park Service said it was being allowed to burn as part of a “confine and contain” strategy that the Grand Canyon National Park has leaned on for decades to clear dense vegetation, minimize future risk and make the ecosystem more resilient.

But a week after ignition, blustery winds, hot temperatures and lower humidity quickly intensified the flames, prompting officials to shift to aggressive suppression and order evacuations. The blaze has charred more than 18 square miles (46 square kilometers), and as of Saturday it was 8% contained, according to fire information officer Stefan La-Sky.

No injuries have been reported, but the Dragon Bravo fire on the canyon’s less-frequented North Rim destroyed more than 70 structures, including a visitors’ center, historic cabins and the nearly century-old Grand Canyon Lodge.

After touching ground, Hobbs visited the incident command post. Lined with trailers and dotted with yurts and tents, the fire camp currently houses more than 800 personnel who have come from various federal, state and local entities and independent contractors to help fire suppression efforts. The camp functions similar to a tiny town.

The governor shook hands with members of the crew in the mess hall and met with officials including those from Grand Canyon National Park, the Department of Interior and the National Park Service as well as the incident commander. She said she was encouraged to hear that mitigation is a priority for the federal government.

“This is federal jurisdiction, but fire doesn’t know that boundary, and we all have to work together,” Hobbs said.

The governor has called for an investigation into why the park service did not immediately put out the flames during the hottest and driest period of summer. Members of the state’s congressional delegation also have raised questions.

Hobbs said she is not second-guessing the initial response. She said after the fire is managed, she is seeking answers to what went into the decision-making and whether there were missteps.

The park service has defended its actions.

Hobbs is set to meet this week with leadership in the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior about their decisions in managing the wildfire this upcoming week.

She said in a video statement Wednesday that she has not seen any indication that a lack of federal resources are to blame for the spread of the blaze.

Last month President Donald Trump ordered government officials to consolidate wildland firefighting into a single program, despite warnings from former federal officials that it could be costly and increase the risk of catastrophic blazes.

The North Rim is closed for the rest of the season along with a pair of campgrounds near the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon.

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The Associated Press’ women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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