Firefighter dies while battling blaze at the Grand Canyon: Officials

[ad_1] A firefighter has died after struggling a "cardiac emergency" whereas battling a blaze in northern Arizona, in keeping with the Southwest Space Incident Administration Group.

Officers introduced a "line of responsibility loss of life" occurred on Monday on the Dragon Bravo Fireplace in northern Arizona, which has burned over 145,000 acres close to the Grand Canyon.

The firefighter was "actively concerned in suppression restore when he suffered a cardiac emergency close to the North Rim Entrance Station," officers stated on Monday.

A pair takes photos from an outcropping as smoke from the Dragon Bravo hearth fills the Grand Canyon on July 17, 2025 in Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Scott Olson/Getty Photos

Rapid medical help was rendered to the firefighter, however "resuscitation makes an attempt had been unsuccessful," officers stated.

The identify of the firefighter was not instantly launched.

In an announcement, the Southwest Space Incident Administration Group stated their "hearts exit to" the firefighter's household and pals.

"The wildland hearth neighborhood is inherently interagency, and a line of responsibility loss of life impacts us all. We deeply respect this firefighter's dedication to his career and to the communities threatened by wildland hearth," officers stated.

Officers stated assist is being offered "to fellow skilled wildland firefighters and pals on the Dragon Bravo Fireplace" and an investigation carried out by the Nationwide Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner is now underway.

Extra info on the investigation will probably be offered "because it turns into out there," officers stated.

Smoke from the Dragon Bravo hearth settles into the Grand Canyon alongside the South Rim at Mather Level on July 17, 2025 in Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Scott Olson/Getty Photos

The Dragon Bravo Fireplace broke out on July 4 because of a lightning strike, with officers rapidly responding and establishing containment strains. However on July 11, robust northwest winds -- which is "unusual for the realm" -- pushed the flames "past containment options, leading to vital progress," in keeping with Inciweb, an interagency danger incident info platform.

Heat temperatures, low relative humidity and ongoing robust wind gusts have continued to drive the lively flames, however monsoonal moisture has "considerably decreased" hearth exercise all through the realm, in keeping with Inciweb.

As of Tuesday, the fireplace is 80% contained, in keeping with Inciweb. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed for the rest of the 2025 season because of the flames, in keeping with the Nationwide Park Service's web site.