The senators referenced the 2006 Warm Fire, another lightning-caused fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon that was initially allowed to burn as a wildland use fire. The Warm Fire ultimately destroyed 59,000 acres of land and nearly killed a thousand people.

Gov. Katie Hobbs landed about 25 miles north of the rim near De Motte Campground and first toured the fire camp, where fire personnel were staged.

Wildfires burning at or near the Grand Canyon's North Rim are still raging as strong winds, high heat and low humidity persist.