Senator Mark Kelly witnessed firsthand the devastation of the Dragon Bravo Fire while flying over the damage Thursday.
"We lost a piece of Arizona and American history with the Grand Canyon Lodge. Arizona is resilient, and we will rebuild and support the families and small businesses affected by this fire." Mark Kelly said following his flight.
Firefighters battling the fire are preparing for an unstable period as Arizona's traditional monsoon season arrives. While usually July and August bring crucial moisture to Northern Arizona, this year has seen unusually little monsoon activity.
Weather forecasts from Wednesday through Friday show a 30-50% probability of precipitation, but meteorologists warn the storms may bring more lightning than beneficial rainfall.
The combination of lightning and heavy winds could spark new fires in areas where heat remains from the existing impact.
Fire officials recognize that the upcoming weather changes will be challenging and initial attack crews are still ready to react quickly to any new fire starts in the area. They are using both ground workers and modern equipment to contain the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is still completely suppressed.
Over the last two days, workers have made significant progress on the northern perimeter, closely inspecting fire lines and keeping an eye out for hot spots. Drones with cameras are now used for night operations to identify invisible heat signals.
Firefighters are constantly on the lookout for any fire activity that can jumpstart severe conditions but the Highway 67 corridor remains an essential suppression barrier. However, below canyon rims, where the rough terrain makes it very risky to send out ground crews, the southern edge of the fire is still burning.
Ongoing Impact
Both historic infrastructure and tourism potential have been drastically affected by the devastation of the Grand Canyon Lodge.
Smoke from the fire continues to affect air quality across the area, including at the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Officials are advising residents and visitors to monitor local air quality conditions as suppression efforts continue.
Hot and dry conditions in the early part of the week will continue to contribute to fire activity even if fire weather conditions are no longer at hazardous levels. Winds of 10 to 15 mph are predicted to shift to the northwest, which may have an impact on containment methods and fire movement.
Senator Kelly's promise to assist impacted families and businesses emphasizes the national impact of what has turned into one of the most damaging wildfires in Arizona's recent history as the state gets ready for what could be a prolonged rebuilding process.
