A fast-moving wildfire has devastated the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures, forcing officials to shut down the area for the remainder of the season.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, one of two wildfires raging in the region, has consumed between 50 and 80 buildings, including the visitor center, gas station, wastewater treatment plant, employee housing, and numerous historic cabins, according to park Superintendent Ed Keable.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Tim Allen, a long-time visitor from Flagstaff. “The North Rim always felt more personal like a step back in time.”
From Managed Burn to Inferno
Initially sparked by lightning on July 4, the Dragon Bravo Fire was being monitored under a “confine and contain” strategy. But with soaring temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds, the fire exploded to nearly 8 square miles (20 square kilometers) within days, prompting authorities to switch to aggressive suppression.
The North Rim was evacuated Thursday, and the Grand Canyon National Park Service announced it will remain closed for the season.
A second blaze, the White Sage Fire, continues to burn north of the park, threatening the community of Jacob Lake. Officials say it has scorched over 63 square miles (162 square kilometers) but fire lines are holding on several fronts.
A Lodge Steeped in History, Now Reduced to Ashes
The Grand Canyon Lodge, originally constructed in 1928 and rebuilt in 1937 after a kitchen fire, was considered the crown jewel of the North Rim. Known for its massive limestone façade, ponderosa beams, and the iconic Sun Room view of the canyon, the lodge held deep sentimental value for generations.
“It felt like you were in a time gone by,” said Allen.
Among the cherished features lost was the 600-pound bronze statue of Brighty the Burro, a beloved symbol of the canyon’s mule-riding heritage.
The lodge was operated by Aramark, which confirmed that all employees and guests were safely evacuated before the structure was lost.
“As stewards of some of our country’s most beloved national treasures, we are devastated by the loss,” said Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert.
Emotional Farewell for Returning Families
Visitor Caren Carney had just arrived at the lodge with her husband, parents, and son when they were told to evacuate. She recalled how her parents had taken her to the North Rim as a child, and this year, she wanted to pass down that tradition to her own son.
“We told him this is a family tradition,” she said. “I’m so glad we got to have one final look at it before it was lost.”
Political Fallout and Safety Concerns
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s handling of the fire, criticizing the initial “confine and contain” approach.
“Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate Grand Canyon National Park,” Hobbs posted on X (formerly Twitter).
In addition to fire threats, officials warned of potential chlorine gas exposure after the wastewater treatment plant was damaged raising health concerns for nearby firefighters and evacuated hikers.
Elsewhere: Wildfires Sweep Colorado and Utah
In neighboring Colorado, a lightning-sparked wildfire has burned 5.6 square miles (14.5 sq km) within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, forcing evacuations and prompting Governor Jared Polis to issue a disaster declaration on Sunday.
Another major fire burning near the Colorado-Utah border has destroyed approximately 14 square miles (36.3 sq km).
As the American West continues to grapple with severe wildfires, the loss of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim Lodge marks one of the most culturally significant destructions in recent memory a place where past and present converged under the shadow of one of the world’s natural wonders.
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