The fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon started from a lightning strike but was managed as a controlled burn until it spread.

A combination of high winds, dry air and above average temperatures caused a wildfire in the Grand Canyon to rapidly expand and cause major damage.

Gov. Katie Hobbs questioned why the U.S. government decided to manage the Dragon Bravo fire, which started with a lightning strike, as a “controlled burn” during the height of the summer.

With wildfires raging through Northern Arizona and devastating the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, businesses relying on tourist revenue have taken a hit. Canyon Trail Rides, which organizes mule rides through the canyon,

The Grand Canyon Lodge was the park's one and only hotel, according the National Park Service, with the next nearest lodgings roughly 18 miles away.