Question 1

How can I stay informed about the fire and recovery process?

Accepted Answer

The Dragon Bravo Fire is still active. Please check the fire Inciweb for current information including acreage, closure areas, and fire behavior. Incident information is also being posted to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 Facebook Page.

Visit Grand Canyon National Park's Status of the North Rim webpage to receive the latest updates on the North Rim, including current status updates, closure information, frequently asked questions and South Rim air quality information. We understand how meaningful the North Rim is to our visitors and community and are committed to keeping you informed as recovery efforts move forward.

Question 2

What is the Grand Canyon Disaster Recovery Fund?

Accepted Answer

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of the park, has launched the Grand Canyon Disaster Recovery Fund to support near- and long-term recovery of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. In the coming months and years, significant work will be needed to help the park recover from these wildfires, from rebuilding park infrastructure, lodging, and the visitor center to supporting habitat restoration. GCC is committed to supporting the park through every phase of recovery to ensure that future generations can continue to experience and enjoy this iconic landscape.

Question 3

How will the funding be used?

Accepted Answer

In the first phase, GCC funding will assist with immediate response and recovery efforts, addressing emerging critical needs as the situation unfolds. Subsequent phases will focus on the long-term restoration and healing of the North Rim landscape. Donations will support sustained recovery efforts over time. Future needs will be identified once the fire is contained and a comprehensive damage assessment has been completed.

Question 4

What is the money in this fund currently being used for?

Accepted Answer

Generous support of the Disaster Recovery Fund has allowed GCC to quickly stand up to provide:

Technology. GCC has provided laptops that evacuees can use to ensure they have internet access and the ability to file necessary claims.

Food. GCC has provided groceries and community dinners for displaced residents.

GCC donated to the Community Closet and the Food Pantry, who are providing food and other essentials for displaced residents.

GCC is partnering with United Way of Northern Arizona and other essential service providers to make sure North Rim community members’ individual needs are addressed.

Question 5

Does the fund support individuals impacted by the fire?

Accepted Answer

As the official partner of the park, GCC cannot provide direct funding or gifts to NPS employees. Instead, GCC is focused on supporting the agency's response and partnering with other community organizations to support individual displaced North Rim residents.

Question 6

Is there an overall fundraising goal for the fund?

Accepted Answer

We know that the funding needs will be extensive for the recovery and rebuilding of the North Rim, spanning many years. GCC will be working with our NPS partners to assess and estimate these costs in the coming months. For this reason, we haven't yet set a cap for the fund.

Question 7

What is the timeframe for the recovery efforts?

Accepted Answer

The timeline is unknown. Based on our preliminary conversations with the National Park Service, the expectation is that full recovery will take years. Once the fire is contained and extinguished, evaluation and assessment will begin to determine what recovery needs are. We expect that winterization to protect any North Rim structures that remain will be a priority in the near-term.

Question 8

Can I designate my donation for a specific purpose within the fund?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time. When the immediate emergency is over, GCC will be working with our NPS partners to assess and estimate costs for various elements of recovery.

Question 9

Are there matching gift opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Double, or even triple, your donation when you take advantage of a matching gift program at your workplace. Learn more and see if your employer will match your donation.

Question 10

How can my business or organization best support the Recovery Fund?

Accepted Answer

Contact Jenny Burden, Senior Director for Institutional Giving, to discuss opportunities for supporting GCC and the Recovery Fund: jburden@grandcanyon.org

Question 11

After the immediate emergency needs are met, what will the money be used for in the long-term?

Accepted Answer

When the immediate emergency is over, GCC will work with our NPS partners to assess and estimate costs for various elements of recovery.

Question 12

What can volunteers do to help?

Accepted Answer

The fire is still burning, so there aren't volunteer opportunities at this time, however, we anticipate there will be volunteer opportunities in the future. Thank you for showing your support, and please check this website regularly for any updates.

Question 13

Where are all the NPS, Lodge, GCC, and other staff currently housed?

Accepted Answer

Temporary housing has been offered and provided to displaced NPS and GCC staff. Aramark is working with its staff separately.

Question 14

How are the Mules and the North Rim Bison?

Accepted Answer

While fire activity continues on parts of the North Rim, the bison herds' migratory patterns have allowed them to remain mostly unimpacted, and crews are working hard to ensure it stays that way. All mules were evacuated to a ranch in Utah. Dedicated fire personnel are actively monitoring the situation to protect both natural resources and wildlife to the best of their abilities. Thank you to everyone supporting fire management efforts across the park—we appreciate your patience and care as we work to keep Grand Canyon safe for all who call it home.

Question 15

Were some of the artifacts and historical items in the Lodge able to be saved?

Accepted Answer

This is unknown until a hazmat assessment and structural assessment is performed.

Question 16

Will Brighty be saved and rebuilt/refurbished?

Accepted Answer

The Brighty statue was heavily damaged due to the fire. Future plans for restoring or commemorating Brighty are being discussed as part of the North Rim recovery efforts. The statue holds deep meaning for many visitors, and the park is committed to honoring that legacy in future planning.

Question 17

Is this the worst fire that Grand Canyon National Park has ever experienced?

Accepted Answer

Since the fire is still burning, we are unable to assess the full extent of the damage. However, the fire burning at Grand Canyon is now the largest active wildfire affecting national parks nationwide — and the fifth-largest blaze at a national park in recent history.

Question 18

Why is it called the Dragon Bravo fire (or the White Sage) fire?

Accepted Answer

The fire's name originates from a nearby flight corridor and creek named 'Dragon,' with 'Bravo' added to distinguish it from a 2022 fire with the same name.

Question 19

What is the ETA for reopening the South Rim trails?

Accepted Answer

The North Kaibab, Phantom Ranch, the lower Bright Angel Trail, and the entire South Kaibab Trail will remain closed for the foreseeable future due to unhealthy air quality concerns and other potential safety risks for staff and visitors. Air quality assessments are ongoing, and these trails could be reopened when air quality is improved.

Question 20

What are alternative hikes in Grand Canyon that are somewhat equal to a Rim to Rim?

Accepted Answer

Within the main inner canyon corridor, visitors can use the Bright Angel Trail to hike to Havasupai Gardens and back to the South Rim. There are additional trails outside of the main inner canyon corridor that are open; however, these routes are significantly more strenuous, lack reliable water sources, and are not recommended for most hikers—especially in summer conditions. With the trails that are currently closed, there’s not a safe alternative to complete a South Rim to river to South Rim hike in one day.

Question 21

Will the North Rim re-open without the Lodge, Visitor Center, etc.?

Accepted Answer

Decisions about reopening parts of the North Rim for the 2026 season following the Dragon Bravo Fire will be made at a future date. Currently, the park is focused on emergency stabilization work to protect remaining infrastructure, restore basic utilities, and assess long-term damage to facilities, roads, and natural resources.

Question 22

Is it an NPS or Aramark decision to rebuild the Lodge and the timing?

Accepted Answer

The National Park Service will make the decision.

Question 23

Can I still visit the park?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please do! The South Rim of the park is open, and we'd love for you to show your support by visiting. Visit the park website to view the most up to date information on park operations.

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Grand Canyon North Rim Recovery Fund Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions