Coming to the rescue

During the summer 2025 season, the Dragon Bravo Fire spread across the Grand Canyon, particularly affecting the North Rim.

A lightning strike on July 4 ignited the fire, which spread across the North Rim by July 10. The fire intensified and all National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy and Aramark staff members located at the North Rim were evacuated on July 11. As a result of the fire, several buildings were destroyed, including the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s North Rim Visitor Center complex.

Then in October, the federal government shutdown also affected operations across the national parks, including the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Conservancy says it provided $48,000 in funding to essential Science and Resource Management projects and to cover National Park Service staff time on work related to this fire that could not be delayed.

“Our mission has always been to support Grand Canyon National Park, a role that becomes all the more essential when the park is facing challenges like the government shutdown,” says Liz Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “These projects protect the canyon’s ecosystems, cultural heritage and water quality — efforts that can’t be paused without consequence. We’re proud that generous donor support allows us to step in and keep this vital work going.”