News Summary
In response to the devastating Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has unveiled a financial relief program to support impacted businesses. The Dragon Bravo Fire has become the largest wildfire in the U.S., destroying over 70 structures, while the White Sage Fire has also caused significant damage. Eligible businesses in affected counties can apply for low-interest loans, with support extended until May 18, 2026, to aid recovery and rebuild the local economy.
Phoenix, Arizona – Governor Katie Hobbs has announced a new financial relief program aimed at supporting businesses that have been severely impacted by the ongoing Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires. The fires, which were ignited by lightning strikes in July, have devastated large areas, with the Dragon Bravo Fire becoming the largest wildfire in the nation.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, which started on July 4, has consumed approximately 145,498 acres and is currently 62% contained. The fire is located in the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, where significant damage has occurred, including the destruction of over 70 structures, among them the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. The White Sage Fire, which also ignited due to lightning, has burned 58,985 acres and is reported to be 98% contained as of this week. This fire is located near Fredonia, just four miles from the Arizona-Utah border.
Firefighters have made substantial progress in battling both wildfires, with approximately 670 firefighters currently assigned to the Dragon Bravo Fire, down from more than 1,300 at the height of firefighting efforts. However, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon will remain closed to visitors for the remainder of the 2025 season due to the ongoing threats from the fire.
To assist businesses in the affected regions, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued an Administrative Declaration of Economic Disaster. Eligible businesses and nonprofits can apply for low-interest loans to help cover their working capital needs. These loans can provide financial relief for fixed debts, payroll, and other bills. The maximum loan amount can be up to $2 million, with an interest rate of 4% for businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits. Notably, interest does not accrue during the first year, with repayments beginning following the first loan disbursement.
The financial relief is specifically available for businesses located in Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai counties. Additionally, companies operating within the Navajo Nation and certain areas associated with the Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes are also eligible for assistance. The application window for these SBA loans extends until May 18, 2026.
Governor Hobbs has acknowledged the significant financial hardship that communities surrounding the Grand Canyon’s North Rim are currently facing and emphasized the necessity of providing support to Arizona workers and families affected by the wildfires.
In light of the challenges posed by the fires, local community initiatives have emerged, including various fundraising efforts like the Grand Canyon Relief Fund and the Dragon Bravo Fire Relief Fund, which have successfully collected thousands of dollars to support affected residents and workers. As of mid-July, approximately 235 properties have been identified as having been destroyed, damaged, or threatened by the fire.
Furthermore, the Grand Canyon National Park has reopened several trails along the South Rim that had been previously closed due to the Dragon Bravo Fire, marking a step towards recovery and providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy the iconic landscape once again.
The Dragon Bravo Fire has now been classified as a “megafire,” having surpassed the substantial milestone of 100,000 acres in size. As firefighting efforts continue, authorities remain focused on containing the blaze and assessing the long-term impacts on the region’s ecosystem and economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KTAR: Dragon Bravo Fire Overview
- AZCentral: How to Help with Dragon Bravo Fire
- InsideHook: Visiting National Parks Responsibly
- New York Times: Brighty the Burro and the Grand Canyon Fire
- USA Today: Dragon Bravo Megafire Update
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- Google Search: Dragon Bravo Fire Arizona
- Google Scholar: Dragon Bravo Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Google News: Dragon Bravo Fire
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
