Arizona senators demand answers on Dragon Bravo Fire handling | Arizona News

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KVOA) – Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego have called for an investigation into the management of the Dragon Bravo Fire, which has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and remains uncontained on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The fire began from a lightning strike on July 4, 2025, and has since expanded to 5,000 acres, destroying between 50 and 80 structures. The senators are demanding answers from the Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his department’s decision to initially treat the fire as a controlled burn.

“There are many questions over the initial decision to treat this fire as a controlled burn and subsequent decisions on how to respond,” the senators said.

The senators seek analysis on factors influencing the controlled burn decision and whether recent heat trends were considered.

“As discussed during your confirmation process, the Grand Canyon is Arizona’s crown jewel,” the senators said.

They emphasized the importance of effective wildfire response, especially under the new responsibilities from President Trump’s executive order on wildfire management.