A fast-spreading wildfire in northern Arizona destroyed the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures at the North Rim, prompting officials to close the area for the season, according to the National Park Service. The Grand Canyon Lodge, the sole place for lodging inside the park at the North Rim, was engulfed in flames, park superintendent Ed Keable announced during a meeting on Sunday, July 13.
What was lost
In addition to the lodge, the fire destroyed a gas station, wastewater treatment facility, administrative center and several historic cabins. The fire, known as the Dragon Bravo Fire, has burned roughly 5,000 acres so far.
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It’s one of two wildfires currently threatening the region. The White Sage Fire, burning nearby, has already scorched more than 40,000 acres.
Governor Hobbs calls for investigation
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, meanwhile, is calling for an investigation into the Dragon Bravo Fire. She criticized the federal government’s decision to initially manage it as a controlled burn during what she called “the driest, hottest part of the Arizona summer.”
On X, Hobbs wrote: “An incident of this magnitude demands intense oversight and scrutiny into the federal government’s emergency response. They must first take aggressive action to end the wildfire and prevent further damage. But Arizonans deserve answers for this fire that was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park.”
Cause of the fire
Officials say the Dragon Bravo Fire sparked on July 4 from a lightning strike, and that firefighters initially fought it with a “confine and contain” strategy. Firefighters shifted to an aggressive attack one week later, as the fire grew to nearly eight square miles due to hot temperatures combined with dry and windy conditions.
Those dangerous conditions are expected to persist into Wednesday, July 16.
No injuries have been reported in the two fires currently burning.
Closures and evacuations
Grand Canyon National Park sees millions of visitors each year, but the North Rim, which is only open seasonally, sees far fewer visitors than the more popular South Rim. The North Rim was evacuated on Thursday because of the fire, and will now remain closed for the remainder of the season, according to park officials.
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The original Grand Canyon Lodge was also destroyed by a fire in 1932. The one that replaced it in 1937 sat in its “footprint.”
Firefighters at the North Rim were also evacuated due to the fire potentially spreading chlorine gas from the treatment plant that burned, which is a health hazard because of toxic fumes.
A historic loss
The Grand Canyon Lodge had been welcoming visitors since the 1930s, and was often the first glimpse tourists had of the canyon from the North Rim. Upon learning of its loss, visitors and park officials said they were heartbroken.
