Wildfires have rapidly spread, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and many other buildings on the North Rim, prompting officials to close the area for the remainder of the season, the park announced on Sunday.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging option available in the North Rim, was engulfed in flames, as Park Principal Edkeeble conveyed to park staff, residents, and others during a meeting that morning.
He mentioned that around 50 to 80 structures—including visitor centers, service stations, waste treatment plants, management buildings, and employee housing—have been lost. Additionally, several historic cabins in the vicinity have also perished.
Currently, two wildfires, identified as the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire, are active in or near the North Rim. The latter has significantly impacted the lodge and surrounding structures.
Starting from a lightning strike on July 4th, the Dragon Bravo Fire was initially approached with a strategy to contain it, focusing on reducing fuel sources. However, a week later, the situation escalated, and aggressive firefighting tactics were implemented as the blaze expanded to approximately 7.8 square miles (20 square kilometers) because of heat, low humidity, and strong winds.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
In response, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs urged the federal government to look into how the National Park Service is handling the wildfires. “They must first extinguish the fires and take vigorous measures to prevent any further harm,” she stated in an X post.
Millions flock to the park annually, with most visiting the more popular South Rim. The North Rim generally remains accessible throughout the year. However, it was evacuated last Thursday due to wildfire concerns and will stay closed for the remainder of the season, according to park officials.
Firefighters from the North Rim, as well as hikers, were evacuated over the past weekend. The park noted that, alongside the fire risks, there could be exposure to chlorine gas after treatment facilities were damaged.
Chlorine gas is heavier than air and can lead to vision issues, irritation, or respiratory problems, as per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Rafters on the Colorado River were advised to avoid Phantom Ranch, where several riverside cabins and dormitories are located.
Historic lodge destroyed
The Grand Canyon Lodge was one of the key attractions that greeted visitors upon arrival, famously featuring a sloped roof, massive Ponderosa pine beams, and striking limestone exteriors. Guests would walk through the lobby and down the stairs for their first views of the radiant canyon through the sunroom’s windows.
“It’s disheartening to see it gone,” said Tim Allen, a long-time visitor from Flagstaff, Arizona. He mentioned the intimate charm of the North Rim, which felt personal due to its seclusion and fewer tourists. Previously, he had camped there and hiked across the canyon’s expanse.
Carren Kearney shared her experience of being at the lodge with her husband, parents, and 12-year-old son when park rangers instructed them to evacuate. The family had a longstanding tradition of visiting the North Rim, having started when she was 12 years old. She felt a deep sense of loss upon learning that this “magical place” had burned. After the evacuation, they relocated to the South Rim to continue their trip, where they could witness the flames from a distance.
“I told my son this could be a family tradition, something he might replicate with his own child one day,” Kearney reflected. “I’m just grateful we experienced it one last time before it was lost.”
Aramark, which operates the lodge, confirmed that all guests and staff were safely evacuated.
“We are heartbroken over these losses,” said spokesperson Debbie Albert, emphasizing that they care for some of the country’s cherished landmarks.
The Grand Canyon Historical Society noted that the lodge had previously burned down in 1932, just four years after its completion. A redesigned lodge was opened in 1937, using the original stonework.
Historical Society President Thomas Sulpizio expressed concerns over valuable archives within the lodge, wondering if they were salvaged.
The lobby also housed the famous 600-pound bronze statue of “Brighty the Burro.”
Progress in battling the second wildfire near the Grand Canyon has been reported, with efforts to contain the White Sage Fire succeeding in areas requiring evacuation. As of Sunday afternoon, that fire had consumed approximately 63 square miles (162 square kilometers).
Fire control crews and bulldozers have been working uphill where fire spread has remained minimal at the southern edge. However, rapid expansion continues toward the east and north, fueled by grass and dead trees. Crews are assessing options to establish buffer zones to curtail the fire’s advance.
Wildfire prompts closures in Colorado national parks
In Colorado, various wildfires have led to the closure of the Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park, located about 260 miles (420 km) southwest of Denver, affecting a landscape of 5.6 square miles (14.5 km) and enforcing the evacuation of nearby homes.
These fires were ignited by lightning on Thursday within the park’s South Rim, which encompasses a dramatic canyon formed by the Gunnison River.
Governor Jared Polis of Colorado issued a disaster declaration on Sunday as wildfires spread across western Colorado, which started on the same day due to a single storm system.
Another wildfire near the Utah border, specifically in La Sal, has also begun to grow, consuming around 14 square miles (36.3 square kilometers) since Thursday.
