As wildfires continue to rage across the western United States, closures and evacuations have already impacted two national parks in Arizona and Colorado—well before the typical peak of fire season in September.
The Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona has scorched thousands of acres, destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and forced the closure of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. In Colorado, wildfires have led to the shutdown of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and prompted nearby evacuations.
Staff and Budget Reductions Strain Resources
Amid the growing crisis, western offices of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are struggling with major setbacks. A DNR insider, speaking anonymously due to fear of career retaliation, said staffing has been slashed by about 30% following a wave of voluntary departures earlier in 2025. Compounding the issue, the Trump administration cut funding for fire mitigation and control programs, further limiting the agency’s ability to respond.
Drought and Delays Add to Concern
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is demanding answers on why federal agencies didn’t respond more aggressively to the Dragon Bravo Fire after it ignited on July 4. Her calls for an investigation come as the National Interagency Fire Center warns of an especially severe wildfire season due to ongoing drought and a dry 2024–2025 winter.
Fires are already active in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. The center’s forecast suggests the situation could grow worse in the coming weeks.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
In Colorado, nearly 200 firefighters are working to contain the South Rim Fire, sparked by a lightning storm on July 10. That fire is one of at least six currently burning in the state, prompting disaster declarations in three western counties.
Arizona is also battling multiple blazes, including the White Sage Fire, which has already burned close to 50,000 acres near the Grand Canyon.
Across the West, officials are monitoring roughly three dozen uncontained wildfires and managing another 80 to reduce dangerous vegetation buildup.
While the total acreage burned in 2025 is still below the 10-year average, fire officials warn that rising temperatures and strong winds could rapidly escalate fire activity, especially in Arizona and Utah.
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