(The Center Square) — Teams across several western states continue to battle wildfires on hundreds of thousands of acres.
The list includes Arizona’s massive Dragon Bravo Fire. It is currently the largest wildfire in the continental U.S., according to media reports.
Located near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, the fire spans 123,171 acres and was just 13% contained as of Monday afternoon. Officials believe lightning was the cause of the wildfire. Nearly 2,000 people are involved in fighting the blaze.
“The strategy for the Dragon Bravo Fire remains full suppression,” the Arizona Emergency Information Network says on its website. “Crews will continue connecting, holding and reinforcing lines around the perimeter of the fire.”
Aircraft are also being used to support firefighters, especially in areas with steep and rugged terrain that firefighters on the ground cannot easily access.
In northern Nevada, 22,256 acres have burned in the Snowstorm Fire. Located 10 miles north of Midas, the fire was only 5% contained as of Monday afternoon.
InciWeb, the website for the Incident Information System, says the “combination of dry fine fuels, steep terrain, and gusty winds is contributing to rapid fire growth and challenging suppression efforts.”
In southern Utah, the Monroe Canyon Fire spans 61,632 acres and is 13% contained. Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, has already declared a state of emergency. In a press release on July 31, the governor said that Utah “has already experienced 639 fires in 2025, burning nearly 114,000 acres.” The governor added that Utah is “mobilizing every tool” to support firefighters and keep Utahns safe.
“Heroic efforts are underway as firefighters and emergency personnel work around the clock to save homes and neighborhoods,” said Cox.
In California, the biggest fire is the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, more specifically along Highway 166 northeast of Santa Maria. The fire started Friday and spans 65,062 acres. The cause is under investigation, according to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It is only 5% contained.
“Fire is burning actively on both sides of the highway with more active spread on the south side,” Cal Fire says on its website.
Other fires in California include the Orleans Complex and the Green Fire. Lightning is to blame for the Orleans Complex Fire, which involves 21,577 acres and is 81% contained. The Green Fire in Shasta County is 96% contained but has damaged 19,022 acres. Cal Fire also blames lightning for that fire, which began July 1.
