ICYMI: Kelly Flies over Grand Canyon, Receives Briefings on Dragon Bravo Fire, and Speaks with Local Business Owners   

In case you missed it, today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly traveled to the Grand Canyon to fly over the fire and the damage with the Park Service, receive briefings on the Dragon Bravo Fire from the Incident Command Team, and hear from small businesses about the impact on the local tourism economy. 

Kelly thanked the firefighters and emergency personnel working around the clock to protect communities and contain the fire. Kelly, who had planned to visit the North Rim but was unable to do to weather conditions, purchased cookies from Jacob Lake Inn, a community staple for the last 102 years, for the fire crews. He urged Arizonans to visit the Grand Canyon to support local businesses in the area, as the South Rim and the businesses near Jacob Lake remain open. 

For additional photos and videos, click here.  

Sen. Kelly prepares to fly over Grand Canyon 

Sen. Kelly (right) flies over Grand Canyon 

Kelly heard from Larry Innis, owner of the Kaibab Lodge and Rim to Rim Shuttle, as well as Melinda Rich Marshall, Julie Langi, and Keli Langi, co-owners of Jacob Lake Inn. Together, they talked about how the fire has disrupted the busy summer season they depend on. Kelly and the local business owners shared the importance of keeping tourism strong in the area and how continued support from visitors can help their businesses in the months ahead. 

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For Immediate Release: August 8, 2025 

CONTACT: Press@Kelly.Senate.Gov 

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