Sign in Subscribe
Natural resources

Devastating Dragon Bravo Wildfire at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon: Congressman Gosar Demands Answers from Department of Interior

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The devastating Dragon Bravo Wildfire has left nearly 9,000 acres ablaze at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, destroying over 70 structures including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. As the Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), has a responsibility to hold those accountable for the policy and resource mismanagement decisions that led to the uncontrolled wildfire. In response, he has sent a letter to United States Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum requesting prompt collaboration to identify the policies that exacerbated the rapid spread of the wildfire.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Paul Gosar demands answers from the Department of Interior regarding the policy and resource mismanagement decisions that led to the uncontrolled Dragon Bravo Wildfire.
  • The wildfire has destroyed over 70 structures including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and has left nearly 9,000 acres ablaze at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
  • The projected economic impact of the closure of the North Rim, loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, and temporary closure of recreational trails is still unknown.
  • Congressman Gosar is seeking answers about hazard mitigation and fuel reduction operations conducted at the North Rim prior to the start of wildfire seasons.
  • New hazard mitigation techniques, including logging on park lands, are being considered.
  • The North Rim Water Treatment Facility was identified as a risk for loss of fire retardant prior to its capture in the fire, but the exact date is unknown.
  • Firefighters are risking their lives to control the inferno, and Congressman Gosar has an obligation to conduct congressional oversight and obtain answers for all Arizonans.
  • The letter sent by Congressman Gosar includes questions about the involvement of federal agencies in the response to the wildfire and the decision to treat it as a controlled burn.

Statistics:

  • 9,000 acres have burned in the Dragon Bravo Wildfire at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
  • Over 70 structures have been destroyed, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.
  • The projected economic impact of the closure of the North Rim, loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, and temporary closure of recreational trails is still unknown.

Sources:

  • [House of Representatives - Congressman Paul A. Gosar DDS (AZ-04)]
  • [United States House of Representatives]
  • [United States Department of the Interior]

Read more