Congressman Paul A. Gosar, representing Arizona’s 9th Congressional District, has expressed his concerns over the Dragon Bravo Wildfire at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The wildfire has consumed nearly 9,000 acres and destroyed over 70 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.
As the dean of Arizona’s congressional delegation and Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Gosar emphasized his duty to seek answers regarding policy and resource management decisions that have allowed the wildfire to remain uncontrolled.
In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, Congressman Gosar requested cooperation in identifying policies that may have worsened the wildfire situation. He also called for immediate corrective actions for any mismanagement issues.
Congressman Gosar posed several questions to the Department of Interior:
– Which federal agencies are involved in responding to the Dragon Bravo Wildfire?
– Who decided to treat it as a controlled burn rather than deploying resources for immediate extinguishment?
– What is the projected economic impact due to closures and losses at North Rim?
– Were hazard mitigation efforts conducted before wildlife seasons began?
– Are new mitigation techniques being considered?
– Who monitored atmospheric changes affecting fire spread?
– When was the water treatment facility identified as a risk?
“I cannot be silent as the wildfire continues,” stated Congressman Gosar. “I have an obligation to conduct congressional oversight and obtain answers for all Arizonans including firefighters risking their lives.”
A full text of Congressman Gosar’s letter is available online.
