GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK – The Dragon Bravo fire burning on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim doubled in size over the last week, exploding to “megafire” status, and making it the largest wildfire in the United States so far in 2025.
At more than 100,000 acres, the fire is so big that it’s creating its own weather, including fire clouds known as “pyrocumulus.” Those clouds were spotted seven days in a row, according to fire officials. Pyrocumulus clouds form over intense heat sources like wildfires or volcanic eruptions. Sometimes, they become powerful enough to generate lightning and even tornadoes.
Intense heat and strong winds have fueled the fire’s growth. Lightning sparked the fire back on July 4th, and flames destroyed many structures including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, a visitor center and cabins.
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