A fast-moving wildfire has tragically destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures on the park’s North Rim, leading to its closure for the remainder of the season.
Grand Canyon’s North Rim Suffers Major Losses
The Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim has been hit hard by a recent wildfire. The Grand Canyon Lodge, which was the only lodging available on the North Rim, was completely consumed by the flames.
Park Superintendent Ed Keable confirmed that between 50 and 80 structures were lost. This includes the visitor center, gas station, a wastewater treatment plant, an administrative building, and several employee housing units. Numerous historic cabins in the area were also destroyed.
The Dragon Bravo Fire’s Destructive Path
Two wildfires, the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire, have been active near the North Rim. It was the Dragon Bravo Fire that devastated the lodge and other facilities.
This fire began with a lightning strike on July 4. Authorities initially used a “confine and contain” strategy to manage it. However, a week later, due to hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, the fire rapidly grew to 7.8 square miles (20 square kilometers), prompting a shift to aggressive suppression efforts.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported in connection with the blaze.
Evacuations and Health Risks
The North Rim was evacuated last Thursday and will remain closed for the rest of the season. Firefighters and hikers in the inner canyon were also evacuated over the weekend.
Authorities warned of a potential risk of chlorine gas exposure after the treatment plant burned. Chlorine gas can cause blurred vision, irritation, or respiratory problems if inhaled in high amounts.
Rafters on the Colorado River were also advised to bypass Phantom Ranch, a popular stop with cabins and dormitories along the river.
A Beloved Landmark Gone
The Grand Canyon Lodge was a significant landmark for visitors, often being the first prominent feature they saw. Known for its distinctive sloped roof, massive ponderosa beams, and limestone facade, it offered breathtaking views of the canyon from its “Sun Room.”
Tim Allen, a long-time Flagstaff resident and frequent visitor, described the North Rim as “special” and “personal” due to its remote, less crowded nature. He expressed heartbreak over the destruction, calling it a loss of a “time gone by.”
Caren Carney, who evacuated from the lodge with her family, shared a similar sentiment. She had recreated a cherished family tradition by bringing her 12-year-old son to the North Rim, just as her parents had done for her. She called it a “magical place” and hoped something equally magnificent could exist for future generations.
Aramark, the company that operated the lodge, confirmed that all employees and guests were safely evacuated, expressing devastation over the loss of such a “beloved national treasure.” This was not the first time the lodge burned; an original structure was destroyed by a kitchen fire in 1932, with the redesigned lodge reopening in 1937.
The Grand Canyon Historical Society is concerned about valuable archives that may have been in the lodge. The lobby also housed a famous 600-pound bronze statue of “Brighty the Burro.”
Calls for Federal Investigation
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called on the federal government to investigate the National Park Service’s response to the wildfire. She urged aggressive action to end the fire and prevent further damage, stating that Arizonans “deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park.”
Other Wildfires in the West
Meanwhile, firefighters have made progress in battling the White Sage Fire north of the Grand Canyon, which had charred 63 square miles (162 square kilometers). While some fire lines are holding, the blaze continues to spread rapidly in other areas.
Elsewhere, wildfires are also impacting Colorado. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was closed due to a lightning-started fire that burned 5.6 square miles (14.5 square kilometers) and forced evacuations. Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration for this and other fires in western Colorado, all started by the same storm.
- The Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed 50-80 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.
- Grand Canyon’s North Rim is closed for the remainder of the season due to fire damage.
- Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s wildfire response.
- No injuries have been reported from the Grand Canyon wildfire.
The extensive damage to the North Rim highlights the devastating impact of wildfires on natural and historic landmarks across the Western U.S.
