A wildfire north of Los Angeles, dubbed the Canyon Fire, ignited on Thursday, rapidly consuming thousands of acres and prompting evacuations. The fire’s explosive growth, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, destroyed structures and spread rapidly. Firefighters made progress overnight, though the blaze remains a concern, with containment at 28%. This fire is part of a larger trend, as other massive wildfires, including the Gifford Fire in Central California, and in other states, have also exhibited extreme growth.
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A fast-moving wildfire, the Bravo Dragon fire, has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, leading to the closure of that area for the season. The fire, initially managed as a controlled burn but later suppressed, was sparked by lightning and has consumed the lodge, visitor center, gas station, and other structures, while a second wildfire, the White Sage fire, burns nearby. The blaze has forced evacuations and the release of chlorine gas from a water treatment plant, prompting further safety measures, including bypassing Phantom Ranch. While officials reported progress in containing the White Sage fire, the Bravo Dragon fire’s intensity has caused it to spread rapidly, prompting efforts to create buffer zones.
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John Q. Hosedrinker