Aerial view of the Dragon Fire from July 21 (NPS Photo/M. Brown)
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — As of July 22, the Dragon Fire grew to approximately 733 acres and has 47 personnel assigned. The fire spread across the planning area with low to moderate fire behavior. The lightning-caused fire began July 17 and is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem.
Fire personnel moved along the W-1/Point Sublime Road and Tiyo Point Trail to remove downed fuels ahead of the advancing fire. Removing this excess vegetation from the forest floor reduces the amount of fuel available to the advancing fire which helps to keep fire behavior at low to moderate intensity. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter, improve line, and remove hazard trees.
The weather will continue to be hotter and drier than normal with chances of precipitation and monsoonal weather beginning Sunday, July 24. Light winds are expected out of the northwest/southwest at 15 mph. The Dragon Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure on the North Rim. Smoke from the Dragon Fire will be visible from the North Rim developed area and along the South Rim.
On Monday, July 25, the Northern Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team (Shelby Erickson, Incident Commander) will assume command of the Dragon Fire.
Closures remain in effect for the Tiyo Point Trail and 1.5 miles east and west of the trail within Grand Canyon National Park. More information on these closures and other fire information is available at: www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8266.
Please visit the park’s fire management webpage for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7688 for recorded fire information.
— Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.