Missing Man in Grand Canyon Mega-Fire: Thomas Daniel Gibbs
A man from New Jersey has gone missing while a massive fire, known as a "mega-fire," is raging in the Grand Canyon National Park. Thomas Daniel Gibbs, 35, was last in contact with his friends and family on July 22 and was reported missing on July 28. The fire, named the Dragon Bravo Fire, has grown to over 100,000 acres, making it the largest fire in the continental U.S. and one of the top 10 largest in Arizona's history.
Gibbs, a six-foot-one-inch White male with brown hair and brown eyes, was believed to be in the Grandview Trail and Horseshoe Mesa area on July 22. Park rangers are seeking information from anyone who may have seen him in that area. Search efforts are focused on the high-angle terrain near Grandview Point.
The Dragon Bravo Fire was ignited by a lightning strike on July 4 and has been challenging to contain due to strong winds and dry conditions. The fire has caused the destruction of approximately 70 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and the North Rim Visitor Center. The North Rim is closed for the rest of the 2025 season due to the damage caused by the wildfire.
The fire has also led to the formation of pyrocumulus clouds and pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which can create erratic weather patterns and dangerous conditions for firefighters. The National Park Service is working on emergency stabilization efforts to protect the remaining infrastructure and natural resources. Plans for recovery and rebuilding of visitor facilities, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, are in progress, but it will take time to complete. The South Rim remains open to visitors, but access to the North Rim and its facilities is currently restricted.