On July 4, lightning ignited a small wildfire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Fire managers opted to let the blaze burn to manage future fire risks. However, on July 11, the situation escalated as the fire spread rapidly, overwhelming containment efforts and rapidly increasing in size. By July 12, roughly 70 structures were destroyed, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. The Dragon Bravo fire continued to grow, with only 2% containment after nearly two weeks, igniting debate over firefighting strategies.
A week later, the park's strategy fell apart. On 11 July, the fire burst through its containment lines and began to rapidly pick up speed, exploding tenfold in a day.
By 12 July, it seemed the destruction was unstoppable. Over the next 24 hours some 70 buildings would be destroyed, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.
The so-called Dragon Bravo fire is still only 2% contained and encompasses nearly 12,000 acres, as more than 750 firefighters have battled the blaze.
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