Arizona governor tours wildfire destruction along Grand Canyon's North Rim
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

___

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Files Paperwork for Potential Minnesota Governor Run to Unseat Tim Walz

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Eyes Minnesota Governorship: Challenges Tim Walz in 2024 Bid

Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, is contemplating a campaign for Minnesota’s…
California Christian college student founds pro-life club after school rejects Students for Life chapter

California College Student Champions Pro-Life Movement with New Club After School Denies Students for Life Chapter

A determined pro-life advocate at a Christian college in California has successfully…
‘Show me your phone:’ End of cash bus fares to expedite MTA fare enforcement

MTA to Enhance Fare Enforcement with Shift from Cash to Digital Payments on Buses

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) anticipates that the complete transition to a…
Maya Lupian: 8-year-old victim killed in Stockton, California mass shooting identified; was 2 weeks away from 9th birthday

Heartbreaking Loss: 8-Year-Old Maya Lupian Identified as Victim in Stockton Mass Shooting Just Weeks Before 9th Birthday

In a tragic turn of events at a child’s birthday celebration in…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

JSO Reports: Altercation Escalates to Shooting, Leaving Man Injured at Girlfriend’s Northside Residence in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that a man is in “serious, but…
Top Republican Accuses Mike Johnson of Blocking FBI NDAA

Prominent Republican Criticizes Mike Johnson for Obstructing FBI NDAA Legislation

A provision aimed at increasing congressional oversight of FBI counterintelligence investigations into…
Sheriff: Man killed in St. Johns County deputy-involved shooting attempted to murder man just before death

St. Johns County Tragedy: Man Fatally Shot by Deputies After Alleged Attempted Murder

Sheriff Robert Hardwick reported that Kristopher Johnson allegedly tried to murder a…
Dead Texas college student's phone was 'thrown in the woods,' grieving mother says

Grieving Mother Reveals Shocking Discovery: Deceased Texas College Student’s Phone Found Discarded in Woods

The mother of a Texas A&M University student who was discovered dead…
Massive 14-foot shark dies after being stranded on Massachusetts beach during migration

14-Foot Shark Found Deceased After Stranding on Massachusetts Beach During Migration

A 14-foot thresher shark met a tragic end on Tuesday when it…
Europeans accuse Putin of feigning interest in peace after talks with US envoys

Europeans Call Out Putin’s Alleged Peace Charade Following High-Stakes Talks with US Envoys

KYIV, Ukraine — On Wednesday, Ukraine and its European partners accused Russian…
PHOTOS: Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney, more attend 'The Housemaid' NYC Screening

Star-Studded Night: Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney Shine at ‘The Housemaid’ NYC Screening Event

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, New York’s red carpet was graced with…
Republican Minnesota senator calls judge 'true extremist' after $7.2M taxpayer-fraud conviction overturned

Republican Senator Faces Off with Judge Overturned $7.2M Fraud Case: A Battle Against ‘True Extremism

A Minnesota state senator from the Republican party has sharply criticized a…