Trump told Texas Republicans to gerrymander the state to add congressional seats to the map. It’s a power grab pure and simple.
Texas is a test case and just the beginning. Trump and his enablers are deliberately working to steal the 2026 election (and beyond) by rigging the electoral maps in their favor well into the future.
This is disenfranchisement for the 21st century.
SEDONA — Firefighters working on the Woods Fire have been successful in suppressing and securing the perimeter around the wildfire, achieving 50% containment and will transition to a local Type 4 organization tomorrow morning.
A more accurate mapping of the wildfire located 2 miles east of the Village of Oak Creek puts it at 59 acres. It has been determined to be a lightning-caused fire.
High humidity provided favorable conditions for firefighters, allowing use of natural landscape and human-made barriers to keep the fire within its existing footprint.
Saturday, August 16
Mother Road Classic Car Show
Flagstaff City Hall Parking Lot
America’s Mother Road, US Route 66, celebrates its centennial in 2026, and Flagstaff fuels the party in 2025 with The Mother Road Classic. 8 a.m. Free
Brighty prepares for his journey to the South Rim, where he will be stored in the park’s Museum Collections until a decision is made on his future. Whether he will be restored to his former appearance or replaced entirely is still under consideration. (NPS Photo)
Highlights: Yesterday, containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire increased to 56%. More containment was gained on the Wahalla Plateau, Point Imperial and on the most northern tip of the fire. The National Weather Service Office in Flagstaff has issued a flash flood watch in the fire area between 10am and 8pm today. With safety being the top priority, crews will be ready to adjust to potentially dangerous weather conditions that may develop. To receive flash flood warnings on your cell phone or satellite device via the Grand Canyon River Alerts system. Text GCRIVERALERTS to 928-707-7842.
Apply for a Beautification in Action Grant
Artists, local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community groups—this is your chance to transform Flagstaff’s shared spaces. The City of Flagstaff, through the Beautification and Public Art Commission, is accepting Beautification in Action (BIA) grants of up to $8,000 for creative projects that add character and beauty to our community. Eligible projects must be in publicly accessible locations and can include murals, sculptures, community or pollinator gardens, decorative benches, neighborhood pathways, and more.
Gov. Katie Hobbs, an NAU social work graduate, met with NAU leaders to discuss how the university is confronting the state’s healthcare worker shortage through academic programs, research projects and infrastructure improvements.
We are thrilled to launch our fall concert season with an diverse array of local favorites and acclaimed touring artists, offering something for every music lover.
Listed below are the first concerts of the season, and we’ll be announcing even more performances and dates in the weeks ahead. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Coconino Center for the Arts for another season of unforgettable live music!
The public learned this week that Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) discussed their five-year priorities during a meeting held last Thursday with city and county leaders in Flagstaff. There, NAH announced the completion of a 2030 strategic plan.
Many thanks to KNAU Arizona Public Radio and the Arizona Daily Sun for covering the meeting and publishing online stories yesterday and today to inform the public of this recent information. The Arizona Daily Sun article can be viewed in PDF form here and here.
Both news stories indicate that NAH continues to evaluate five sites for a new hospital location, including an expansion of their current building on Beaver Street. NAH indicates they do not plan to build a “medical village” at the selected site as was their previous plan.
Additionally, NAH stated that Flagstaff Medical Center is not a community hospital any longer, but rather is considered by NAH and others as a regional referral center.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission announce the opening of applications for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants Program. The annual funding opportunity, formally know as the Neighborhood Sustainability Grant Program, will accept applications from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, 2025. The competitive grant program provides funding up to $7,500 for sustainability projects that strengthen community partnerships and environmental stewardship within Flagstaff city limits. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with projects that address key sustainability priorities. Priority focus areas include energy, community health and climate resilience, food, transportation, and waste.
COCONINO COUNTY — The public is invited to comment on three candidates for the Division 6 Judge Pro Tempore vacancy on the Superior Court in Coconino County.
The candidates are Jonathon Kircher, Roberta McVickers and Bryan Shea.
COCONINO COUNTY — Starting Monday, Aug. 18, the Coconino County Treasurer’s Office will be back in downtown Flagstaff for in-person services at 110 E. Cherry Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The current location at Flagstaff Mall, 4650 N. N. US Hwy 89, will be open until Aug. 18.
“Having one office downtown with in-person services helps streamline our processes and will make doing business with the Treasurer’s Office simple and convenient for residents,” Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar said. “We will now have a one-stop-shop for employees, meetings, partner agencies and residents.”
Operations: The Dragon Bravo fire continues to be a full-suppression effort. Yesterday, additional containment was gained along Highway 67. Containment in this area allows suppression resources to be moved to other high priority locations on the fire. On the east side of the fire near Cape Royal, crews identify and extinguish hotspots.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar and District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference to help pass important resolutions that could lead to changes both nationwide and locally.
NACo represents county officials from across the United States and provides counties a platform to advocate for policy changes at the federal level.
“As the manager of all county monies, I am concerned about fiscal policies that would impact federally awarded funds from reaching the county,” Treasurer Benatar said. “These funds help pay for the necessary services for constituents including maintaining public transportation and roads, operating public schools, enforcing building codes and providing public safety.”
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is proud to present our most exciting and groundbreaking event yet — “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change” on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.
We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights.
In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iyo Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.
“It is such an honor that both of these women are crafting their presentations specific to this moment in time, this audience, and this venue for truly unique and beautiful experiences,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y. “Yes, I am the host, but I am an eager participant- I cannot wait to be a part of this!”
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Carter is a Certified Emergency Manager with a master’s degree in emergency management and homeland security. He has more than 13 years of service with Coconino County and more than two decades of public safety experience.
“Tim has demonstrated leadership in disaster response, hazard mitigation, stakeholder engagement and public outreach,” Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen said. “He is a strong leader who excels in interagency coordination, and we are fortunate to have him on our team.”
The Public Hearing Draft of the Regional Land Use Plan 2045 (Draft Regional Plan) was recently released by the City of Flagstaff online (PDF here; this is a large file and may take some time to download). A take home hard copy of the Draft Regional Plan can be requested by emailing Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.
GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a broken section of pipeline north of Phantom Ranch.
Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
Water conservation measures include:
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in coordination with the Kaibab National Forest.
Stage 2 restrictions will take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. for all unincorporated areas within the boundaries of the Tusayan Ranger District and North Kaibab Ranger District.
Upon implementation of these new restrictions, all unincorporated lands within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest will be in Stage 2 fire restrictions.
Fix-It Clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join us for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff.
FREDONIA — On Friday, August 8, the Forest Service will reopen a portion of the North Kaibab Ranger District, which has been closed in its entirety due to the White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires. In addition, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will go into effect for the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the creation of a Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) to review post-conviction claims of actual innocence.
“Arizona law places special responsibilities on every prosecutor that continue even after a conviction. Those responsibilities require us to act when we encounter clear and convincing evidence of a claim of innocence,” Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said. “The Conviction Integrity Unit demonstrates our commitment to those special responsibilities through a fair, thorough, and transparent process.”
The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is a temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, that represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.
As we look to the North Rim, we can all see that the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn. It likely will burn for a while longer given the extremely dry conditions and the lack of monsoon rains. Many of us have deep connections to the North Rim and the people and places that make that a special place.
We are in a time of transition, with our personal experiences at the North Rim, our professional lives within the Park, and with the daily transitions that are occurring. Transitions can be hard as we leave the known and comfortable and enter uncharted territory. That is how I feel about the North Rim. I’m sure many of you feel that way too. But, transitions allow us to think differently, allow us to be unconstrained in our ideas and possibilities. That is also how I feel, and I hope many of you feel that way too.
Firefighters are successfully repairing suppression lines. Resources continue to patrol the fire and backhaul equipment. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team of interdisciplinary professionals has begun evaluating fire impacts to determine rehabilitation needs and strategies. The Color Country Type 3 Team is coordinating closely with the North Kaibab Ranger District, BLM Arizona Strip District, and local cooperators to meet the needs of the changing fire conditions.
Highlights: Infrared mapping confirmed updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues pushing north, particularly into the burn scar of the 2006 Warm Fire. Air resources worked to slow fire spread in that area. Night operations focused on holding containment lines near Forest Road 610 and progressing south toward State Route 67.
Firing operations continued to steer the fire away from values at risk in Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest and minimize impacts to infrastructure, including the Kaibab Lodge area. Firefighters got a slight reprieve as cloud coverage helped to moderate fire activity.
Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego
News updates for July 2025 (This Week)
• Gallego Introduces Resolution Reaffirming ICE Cannot Arrest or Deport U.S. Citizens
• Following Passage of Republican Tax Bill, Gallego Fights to Restore CFPB Funding, Protect Consumers from Scams
• Gallego and Homeland Security Democrats Push Justice Department to Produce Epstein Files
• Gallego’s Shadow Wolves Bill Passes Committee Unanimously
• Gallego, Fetterman Reintroduce Bill Allowing DACA Recipients to Join the Military
• Gallego, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Access to Quality Customer Service, Preserve U.S. Jobs
• ICYMI: Gallego Demands Answers from Delta CEO as Company Moves Toward AI Pricing Model
• Gallego Shapes Bipartisan Housing Bill in Senate Banking Committee
• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Large-Scale Expansion of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Resumption of Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire and End the War
• Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari Call on Trump Administration to Preserve Federal Support for College Readiness Programs in Arizona
• Gallego Backs Bill to Boost Supply of Doctors, Ensure Access to Medical Care
• Following Calls from Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, and Ansari, the Trump Administration Unfreezes Remaining $110 Million in Education Funding for Arizona
• Gallego, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Make Homeownership a Reality for Young Americans
• Gallego, Kelly Reintroduce Bipartisan Canadian Snowbirds Act to Boost Arizona Economy, Tourism
MORE…
Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly
News updates for July 2025 (This Week)
• Kelly, Klobuchar, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide AI Guidelines for Election Offices
• Kelly, Senate Democrats Call for Large-Scale Expansion of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Resumption of Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire and End the War
• Kelly, Slotkin, Harder Reintroduce Ban Corporate PACs Act to End Corporate Influence in Politics
• WATCH: In SASC Hearing, Kelly Secures Commitment from Navy Nominee to Address Maritime Workforce and American Shipbuilding Gaps
• After Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, & Ansari Demands, Trump Administration Finally Releases $110 Million in Education Funds It’s Held for Weeks
• Kelly, Gallego Reintroduce Bipartisan Canadian Snowbirds Act to Boost Arizona Economy, Tourism
• Sens. Kelly, Murkowski, Warren and Reps. Ryan, Kiggans Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Healthcare Insurance for Military Families
MORE …
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
News updates for July 2025 (This Week)
• Attorney General’s Office Secures Decade in Prison for Fentanyl Dealer After Successful Long-term Investigation
• What They Are Saying About Trump’s Tariff Tax Hikes: Arizona Businesses Warn of Economic Harm
• Attorney General Mayes and the Better Business Bureau Fight AI Scams
• Attorney General Mayes Announces Major Settlements to Expand Broadband and Protect 911 Access in Rural Arizona
• Attorney General Mayes Announces Investigation into Thin Blue Line Benefits Association
• Attorney General Mayes Sues Trump Administration for Illegal Demands that States Hand Over Sensitive Personal Data of SNAP Recipients
• Attorney General Mayes Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Phoenix Man For ‘Patient Brokering’ Related to Sober Living Home Scandal
MORE …
Join us for the next workshop in our free Professional Development Workshop Series! Explore how nonprofits can leverage marketing strategies and AI tools to enhance outreach, engagement, and efficiency. Led by artist and designer Kayley Quick and marketing professional and theater leader Caitlin Burd, this session will provide practical insights into branding, content creation, and the evolving role of AI in nonprofit marketing. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations or strengthen your organization’s presence, this workshop will offer valuable takeaways for nonprofit leaders and creatives alike.
FREE Registration required
COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with Forest Lakes Fire District and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are no longer under fire restrictions.
This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, applies to all private property within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This includes the unincorporated community of Forest Lakes and all private campgrounds and recreation areas.
Based on significant improvement in forest conditions, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescinded fire restrictions on Friday, July 25, 2025.
COCONINO COUNTY — A warm summer day and a little wind didn’t keep parents and students away from the Coconino County Health and Human Services’ (CCH&HS) Back-to-School Health Fair held on Saturday, July 26 in Flagstaff.
More than 120 backpacks were presented to students who filled up their passports by visiting a variety of booths staffed by Arizona Poison Help, Arizona Trail Gear Girls, Chicano Por La Causa, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Emergency Management, CCH&HS Healthy Families, CCH&HS SafeKids, CCH&HS WIC, Flagstaff. Fire Dept., Denova Collaborative Health, Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library, North County Healthcare and NAU Talent Search — TRIO.
More back-to-school events are planned for Northern Arizona. Please see our listing below for upcoming events.
(INFORMATION UPDATED July 28, 2025)
COCONINO COUNTY — Are you a small business owner impacted by the White Sage Fire or Dragon Bravo Fire? If so, the Small Business Administration has an Economic Injury Disaster Loan program that may be able to provide support.
We know the importance of economic recovery following these wildfires. Help us tell your story as we seek recovery opportunities for small businesses throughout Coconino County.
The first step is for Coconino County to establish a need for the program by submitting a packet of Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheets to the Governor’s Office.
The Worksheet is NOT a loan application and filling out the Worksheet does NOT require participation in the program.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has officially established an Unidentified Remains Task Force, a specialized team dedicated to identifying unknown deceased individuals and reconnecting them with their families.
The Task Force includes experts from the Medical Examiner’s Office, Health and Human Services Department, Information Technology Department, Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office who reexamine historical cases involving unidentified remains with modern investigative tools.
“We’re not just solving cold cases — we’re restoring identities, returning dignity to those who have died without a name, and getting answers families have waited years to find,” said Ammon Barker, County Attorney.
Highlights: Tuesday’s infrared mapping provided updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues its northward push amid extreme fire behavior. Operations focused on holding Forest Road 610, improving indirect lines, and firing operations to protect values at risk. Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 is still taking a full suppression approach to the Dragon Bravo, while prioritizing firefighter and public safety.
Highlights
Throughout the fire footprint, crews continue to repair suppression lines using equipment to move soil and woody debris to prevent soil erosion. Firefighters are spreading seed into repair areas to promote regrowth of native plants. Crews are repairing fences along the fire perimeter.
The White Sage Fire is 58,985 acres. The Oak Point Fire, a small 85-acre fire about 8 miles south of the main fire, is 100 percent controlled. Previously, the White Sage Fire acreage had reflected the combined total for both fires.
Highway 89A and BLM 1065/House Rock Valley Road are open. Light, individual smokes may be visible within the White Sage Fire perimeter from Highway 89A. Occasional smokes can be expected in the weeks to come as fuels continue to smolder. Drivers are advised that firefighters continue to work along roadways. Please drive with care.
The Kaibab National Forests’ North Kaibab Ranger District and Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake remain closed due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. For additional information, check the Arizona Department of Transportation website: www.az511.com
COCONINO COUNTY — The risk of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed near Flagstaff represents a natural disaster with a potential economic impact of nearly $3 billion.
To reduce this risk, the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) and Coconino National Forest (CNF) have partnered together in the Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project to facilitate critical forest restoration projects in the area.
“Wildfire and post-wildfire flooding are the top two public safety threats in Coconino County,” Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Flood Control District Board of Directors said. “Forest Restoration, such as what is underway in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed, is the best way to proactively address these threats.”
View this email in your browser July 28th, 2025 Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2330 (Downtown Library) or 928-213-2348 (East Flagstaff Library). Three…
Latest Update: Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Two has taken command of the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Containment has decreased to 13% following updated perimeter mapping and recent fire growth. Yesterday saw a significant push 3 to 4 miles to the north, particularly on the western flanks. Spot fires were confirmed in North Canyon, and extreme fire behavior was observed with pyrocumulus columns developing to heights of 24,000 feet.
Highlights
Highway 89A has been re-opened to the public. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona Strip District rescinded the fire area closure near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument today due to decreased fire threat and activity related to the White Sage Fire.
The rescission reopens roads that were closed for public and firefighter safety during suppression and repair work along FR 22 and BLM Road 1065 (House Rock Valley). Fire managers are asking for the public’s help to remain aware of fire resources that are continuing suppression and repair efforts along the fire perimeter and roadways. Please travel safely in the vicinity of the fire. Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake remains closed.
FLAGSTAFF —The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff and their contractors are currently working on two projects along Cedar Avenue. We are happy to report that both projects are on schedule, with Cedar Avenue scheduled to be open to vehicular traffic (at Monte Vista Drive/Main Street and Fourth Street) by Monday, August 4.
The Public Hearing Draft of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is now available on the project website: www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045
This draft will be discussed at a series of public hearings with the Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission and the Flagstaff City Council, who will vote on adopting the Regional Plan in October.
Hard copies of the plan are available for review at:
City Hall Community Development Counter
Downtown Library Information Desk
East Flagstaff Library Information Desk
To request a take-home hard copy, please email Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov
More updates on the City hearings, how to comment, and Coconino County’s hearing schedule will be provided via this newsletter in the coming weeks.
FLAGSTAFF —The frequency and severity of disasters continues to rise across the country. To prepare for, and reduce the risks, Coconino County is updating our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this plan is to evaluate the risk posed to the community by natural and man-made hazards and to identify actions that can reduce or eliminate those risks. This update is a joint project between Coconino County, and the cities and towns of Flagstaff, Fredonia, Williams, Tusayan, and Page, as well as Northern Arizona University. Community participation is at the heart of this planning process. Input from residents, business owners, and local organizations is essential to help planners understand local priorities, concerns, and historical knowledge.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.
VIEW ALL EVENTS THIS WEEK
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County leaders received bipartisan presidential appointments to various federal advocacy committees at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference earlier this week.
The conference is a gathering of representatives from over 3,000 counties to discuss federal policies that impact counties, attend workshops to share best practices, and collectively elevate county voices at the federal level. Coconino County appointments are in key federal advocacy areas that directly impact the relationship between the federal government and the County.
“NACo brings counties together to find solutions to shared challenges and improve the services we deliver every day,” said Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman. “Here in Coconino County, we’re proud to be leaders on the national stage who help shape policies that impact rural communities like ours. Through active roles on NACo committees, we’re making sure Coconino County’s voice is heard across the country and in Washington, D.C., and that the unique needs of our residents are front and center in national conversations.”
The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2026/2027 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)
Image: Changing Woman by Lance Yazzie (foreground) and Celestial Juggler by Joe Ray (background)
Message from Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, on the Dragon Bravo Fire Response
On Saturday, July 19, we were honored to host Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron at Grand Canyon National Park. Their visit underscored the Department of the Interior’s and National Park Service’s strong support for our ongoing response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and their commitment to the future of the North Rim.
Highlights
Highway 89A has been re-opened to the public. Highway 67 toward the Grand Canyon remains closed.
The White Sage Fire is mapped at 58,980 acres (no change), and is 81 percent contained (6 percent increase from yesterday). The Oak Point Fire to the south is mapped at 85 acres and is 100 percent contained.
Smoke may be visible from Highway 89A from heavier fuels burning in the interior of the fire footprint. In addition, wind across burned areas may create dust and ash clouds, which can look like smoke from a distance.
Across the fire, firefighters are engaged mainly in mop up and suppression repair. Fire managers expect suppression repair on the west side of the fire to be completed within a few days. Crews are completing mop up and repairing fences on the north side of the fire.
Latest Update: Thursday brought record breaking dry conditions to the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Firefighters held control lines and are preparing for increased activity in the coming days as critically low humidity and gusty winds persist through the week.
Ongoing & Planned Operations: Firefighters continue building fireline on forest roads 610 and 611. Crews have completed work along Forest Road 223 northwest of the fire and are now preparing contingency lines along Forest Road 222. Fire behavior analysts are determining the feasibility of building contingency lines northeast of the Dragon Bravo Fire near Lookout Tower Road. Structure protection groups continue to install and improve defense measures around the Kaibab Lodge and gas station, as well as other critical infrastructure. Aircraft successfully limited spread on the western flank of the fire near the Dragon Creek from moving further northeast. Fire continues to back down into the canyon southeast of the fire.
COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) has informed Coconino County that it will temporarily close the railroad crossing on Garland Prairie Road in Parks for emergency repair work from Friday, July 25 through Monday, July 28.
Daily closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the crossing scheduled to reopen each evening.
The emergency work will involve replacing railroad ties and repaving the asphalt crossing surface to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.
FLAGSTAFF — Following the announcement of City Manager Greg Clifton’s future retirement, the City of Flagstaff has partnered with Duffy Group to lead a nationwide competitive recruitment process inclusive of community input. Mr. Clifton has targeted August 29, 2025 as the end date of his employment with the City, although he will continue to serve as a contracted interim manager until such time as the next city manager is in place.
Highlights
The White Sage Fire is mapped at 58,980 acres and is 75 percent contained, an 11 percent increase from yesterday. The Oak Point Fire is mapped at 85 acres and is 100 percent contained. Weather conditions are conducive for active fire behavior.
On the west side of the fire, crews with heavy equipment are engaged in suppression repair efforts. This entails pulling back berms, placing vegetation on disturbed soil, and spreading approved seed mix to stabilize soil and restore the natural appearance of the area. Today crews will begin repairing livestock fencing damaged during suppression efforts. Fencing is important infrastructure used to manage grazing allotments on public lands.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Clerk Stacy Saltzburg has been recognized as the Clerk of the Year by the Arizona Municipal Clerks’ Association (AMCA). The Clerk of the Year award is reserved for the clerk whose accomplishments have made the most significant contribution to improving municipal government and their own community.
Stacy has served as City Clerk for the City of Flagstaff since 2018 and has made many notable contributions during this time.
Latest Update: The Dragon Bravo Fire located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park remains active during a period of critical fire weather. Continued suppression efforts are focused on securing existing containment lines, as well as preparing and scouting other contingency fireline options and protecting values at risk, including the Kaibab Lodge and infrastructure within the park.
COCONINO COUNTY — With parents busy with a variety of Summer activities with their children (from at-home Summer education to summer travel), it may be a good time to take a deep breath, take care of yourself and find some ways to ease the stress for your children.
To help, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.
Want to take a moment to take care of yourself? Visit our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar.
Your child may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar.
Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Highlights
Firefighters have been making progress around all edges of the fire. The fire has now been mapped to include the slight increase in acreage attributed to the interior pockets of unburned vegetation that are now burned. Water tenders have been working diligently to shuttle water to the incident from sources such as Big Springs and the Colorado River, helping to fill portable drafting tanks for engines and supporting firefighting efforts in areas without nearby water access.
Latest Update: Containment increased to 18% on the Dragon Bravo Fire along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Cloud coverage and humidity aided firefighters yesterday as they continued to strengthen containment lines and protect values at risk, ahead of transition to drier, hotter conditions expected later this week.
FLAGSTAFF — Shannon Anderson, City of Flagstaff Senior Deputy City Manager, has been selected to receive the prestigious 2025 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award. These awards, presented annually, spotlight the invaluable work of Arizona’s civil servants, fostering appreciation for their role in solving problems, strengthening institutions, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Shannon was honored with the Civic Leader award, which recognizes extraordinary public servants who have spent much of their careers supporting Arizona communities. Since 2006, Anderson has helped drive operational excellence and strengthen city services in Flagstaff through a people-first approach. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to public service, cross-department collaboration, and enhanced quality of life for the Flagstaff community.
Highlights
Containment increased 2 percent from yesterday and the fire is mapped at 58,842 acres. Crews completed line construction around the successful burnout operation and followed up with mop-up work, increasing containment along the southern perimeter north of the Highway 89A area.
To ensure thorough coverage, firefighters are patrolling in a gridding pattern, using a method called cold trailing to detect any latent heat near containment lines. This technique involves carefully feeling the ground with the back of their hand to detect lingering heat, ensuring nothing is left that could reignite. Heavy equipment and firefighters are also engaged in suppression repair, restoring soil stability and vegetative cover.
