106 buildings destroyed, hazmat sites found in Dragon Bravo Fire aftermath

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ (AZFamily) — Federal officials say over 100 buildings, including key infrastructure, were damaged as a result of the Dragon Bravo Fire, which scorched through the northern rim of the Grand Canyon nearly two months ago.

Officials from both the Grand Canyon and the Department of the Interior’s Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team recently completed infrastructure assessments, which detailed the extent of the damage from the wildfire.

Of the 229 buildings in the area, 106 were “severely damaged” or “destroyed,” which included the famed Grand Canyon Lodge and the wastewater treatment plant, according to the feds.

In addition, specialists reported that 1,000 feet of the 3,300-foot water pipeline within the burn area sustained damage. Grand Canyon officials also said hazardous materials were identified at three high-risk sites, including the water plant and the surrounding space around the lodge.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Dragon Bravo Fire has burned an estimated 145,504 acres since its start on July 4 and is 80% contained. More than 690 fire personnel are actively battling the lightning-caused blaze, which has drastically impacted tourism in the area.

“The BAER assessment is the first step towards recovery on the North Rim of Grand Canyon,” said Ed Keable, superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, when the crew arrived late last month. “By evaluating risks and identifying treatments now, we are laying the foundation for long-term landscape resilience. This careful, science-based work is essential to ensuring that areas can reopen safely.”

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