Firefighters race to contain Grand Canyon blaze
The Dragon Bravo Fire has burned thousands of acres across the Grand Canyon's North Rim
Updated July 25 2025
Welcome to Views From Above, a newsletter bringing you satellite imagery snapshots of major world events. Today, we are looking at the wildfire raging near the Grand Canyon.
On July 4th, lightning struck a forested area along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, sparking a fire that has since scorched more than 28,700 acres of land. Dozens of structures have been damaged or destroyed, including the historic Grand Canyon lodge and several cabins. The lodge, nearly a century old, was a destination for international tourists and visitors from across the country.
Authorities estimate that the fire is 26 percent contained, with firefighters navigating difficult terrain to combat the flames. Strong winds and dry conditions have further complicated efforts to contain the fire, causing it to spread quickly beyond initial containment lines.
The fire comes at a difficult time for the U.S. National Park Service, which has seen a rapid reduction in size and funding over the last six months. More than 4,000 full-time employees have left due to layoffs, buyouts, and resignations since January 2025, placing strain on existing workers to manage record-levels of visitation to the country’s parks.
Below is a time-lapse of satellite imagery that shows how the fire spread from a limited area to a formidable blaze spanning thousands of acres.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs recently visited the area affected by the fire, meeting with firefighters and authorities on the ground working to contain it. She commented that the state is coordinating with federal officials in their response, and supports rebuilding structures destroyed by the flames — including the historic Grand Canyon lodge.
Thanks for reading Views From Above. Subscribe for free to get satellite imagery and news delivered to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share this newsletter with a friend.