Coconino County urges federal relief after Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires, urges coordinated recovery

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the environmental and economic impacts of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage wildfires and pressing for coordinated recovery aid.

Emergency Management Director Tim Carter told the board the Dragon Bravo Fire has burned more than 140,000 acres and destroyed more than 75 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, forcing closure of the North Rim for the remainder of the 2025 season. The White Sage Fire burned about 58,985 acres on federal land near Jacob Lake, Carter said, and the two blazes combined have produced widespread economic disruption for gateway communities that rely on tourism, including Jacob Lake, Fredonia, Marble Canyon, Page, Williams, Tusayan and others.

"The impacts are not limited to federal lands," Carter said. "Local economies, seasonal workers, lodges, outfitters and other small businesses are seeing canceled bookings, lost income and cascading effects on employees and suppliers." He urged collaborative planning with federal, state, tribal and local partners for reconstruction and long‑term economic resilience.

Supervisor Cherie Fowler, who has worked extensively in North Rim communities, urged the board to push for an economic relief pathway. Fowler said staff discussed applying to the U.S. Small Business Administration for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and sought a letter from the governor to trigger SBA outreach. She said SBA teams could arrive within 24–48 hours of an approved governor request and extend assistance across Coconino and adjacent counties.

Several supervisors emphasized the need for a coordinated recovery that includes infrastructure, workforce housing and tourism marketing to communicate that the South Rim and other attractions remain open while the North Rim is rebuilt. Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez urged that rebuilding efforts ensure long‑term public access and affordability.

The board amended the resolution to add several affected gateway communities by name (including Williams and Tusayan) and committed to collaborative planning for a rebuilt North Rim Lodge that could support year‑round access and services. The resolution also asks federal and state authorities to prioritize relief grants, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce supports for small businesses and affected tribal communities.

The motion passed unanimously. County staff said they are coordinating with the governor’s office and congressional delegation to secure SBA and other federal resources and will share information with the public about available relief funds via county communications and partner organizations such as United Way of Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon Conservancy.

What’s next: county staff said they expected the governor’s formal request to SBA was on the governor’s desk and that the county would announce details of SBA eligibility and outreach once the state transmits the request.

Speakers quoted: Tim Carter, Coconino County Emergency Management Director; Supervisor Cherie Fowler; Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez.

Ending: The board directed staff to continue coordinating federal and tribal partners on economic recovery and to return with specific funding and program updates as they become available.