Wildfire Ravages Historic Lodge at Grand Canyon’s North Rim
A rapidly spreading wildfire has devastated a historic lodge and numerous other facilities on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, prompting park officials to announce its closure for the remainder of the season.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, the sole accommodation within the park’s North Rim, was engulfed by flames, as confirmed by park Superintendent Ed Keable during a meeting with staff and residents on Sunday morning.
Included in the destruction were not only the lodge but also the visitor center, gas station, wastewater treatment facility, administrative building, and various employee residences—totaling between 50 to 80 structures. Several historic cabins in the vicinity were also reported lost.
Currently, two wildfires are active near the North Rim, known as the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire, with the latter being responsible for the lodge’s destruction.
Commencing on July 4, the Dragon Bravo Fire was initially addressed through a "confine and contain" strategy to eliminate fuel sources. However, as the fire grew rapidly to cover 7.8 square miles (20 square kilometers) due to unfavorable weather conditions, fire officials transitioned to an aggressive suppression approach just a week later.
So far, no injuries related to the fire have been reported.
In response to the incident, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s management of the wildfire. She urged immediate action to extinguish the blaze and prevent additional devastation, expressing that residents deserve an explanation for how the fire was allowed to cause such extensive damage within this cherished park.
Millions of visitors frequent the Grand Canyon each year, with the majority visiting the more popular South Rim. The North Rim, which operates seasonally, was evacuated last Thursday due to the fire and is now closed for the remainder of the year, as stated by park officials.
Firefighters were evacuated from the North Rim, alongside hikers in the inner canyon, over the weekend. In addition to the fire hazard, there was concern over potential exposure to chlorine gas following the treatment plant’s destruction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that chlorine gas is heavier than air and can result in visual impairment and respiratory issues when inhaled in significant quantities.
Rafters traversing the Colorado River were advised to avoid the Phantom Ranch area, known for its cabins and dormitories along the river.
Historic Lodge Lost to Flames
The Grand Canyon Lodge was often among the first sights for visitors arriving at the park, with its distinctive sloped roof and expansive limestone facade marking its presence. Guests could glimpse the canyon’s breathtaking views through the lodge’s "Sun Room" after descending its lobby stairs.
"This place made you feel like a pioneer," remarked Tim Allen, a long-time Flagstaff resident and frequent visitor. He emphasized that the North Rim offered a sense of intimacy due to its remote location and fewer tourists.
“It’s heartbreaking,” he added, expressing sorrow over the fire’s impact.
Caren Carney and her family were staying at the lodge when they were urged by a park ranger to evacuate. Carney, who first visited the North Rim as a child, had excitedly returned with her own son to share the serene beauty of the area. After hearing about the lodge’s destruction, she relocated to the South Rim to continue their vacation, where they could still see the smoke from across the canyon.
“This is now a family tradition, and I hope something magnificent remains for future generations,” she mentioned, relieved that they were able to see the lodge one last time.
Aramark, the firm responsible for managing the lodge, confirmed that all guests and staff were safely evacuated.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of this beloved landmark," stated spokesperson Debbie Albert.
The original lodge was lost to a kitchen fire in 1932, just four years after its completion. It was rebuilt in 1937 using the original stonework.
Thomas Sulpizio, president of the Grand Canyon Historical Society, noted that the lodge housed valuable archives, the fate of which remains uncertain.
The lobby also featured a renowned 600-pound bronze statue named "Brighty the Burro."
Meanwhile, progress continues against a secondary wildfire, the White Sage Fire, which has necessitated evacuations at the North Rim and in the nearby Jacob Lake community. The fire has affected 63 square miles (162 square kilometers) of land as of Sunday afternoon.
On the fire’s southern perimeter, ground crews and bulldozers are working to contain its spread, which has been relatively minimal.
To the east and north, however, the blaze is spreading rapidly, fueled by dry conditions and standing dead timber. Firefighters are exploring strategies to establish buffer zones to help slow its advance.
Wildfires Impact National Parks in Colorado
In another region, wildfires in Colorado have led to the closure of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located approximately 260 miles (420 kilometers) southwest of Denver. One of these fires has scorched 5.6 square miles (14.5 square kilometers) and prompted evacuations in adjacent communities.
This fire, triggered by lightning on Thursday, has added urgency to the region’s overall fire situation.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster due to this and other wildfires impacting western Colorado, all ignited the same day by a storm.
A separate wildfire near the La Sal region, close to the Colorado-Utah border, also started on Thursday, burning around 14 square miles (36.3 square kilometers) to date.
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