National Park Wildfires destroy the historic Grand Canyon Lodge
North Rim’s historic Grand Canyon Lodge was destroyed by Dragon Bravo Fire. Authorities say they consumed between 50 and 80 structures.
Arizona firefighters worked Monday to contain the fast-moving wildfires that destroyed the historic lodge at Grand Canyon National Park, close parts of the park for the remainder of the season, and ask for federal authorities to investigate wildfire response.
Two wildfires burning in or near the park’s North Rim include the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire. As of July 13th, the flame has consumed approximately 45,000 acres of land.
Park officials say Dragon Bravo Fire, which burned 5,000 acres within the park, has destroyed Grand Canyon Lodge, the only hotel in North Rim’s national park. Authorities, including management buildings in the park, visitor facilities and other historic cabins, said 50 to 80 structures were lost in the fire.
Lightning ignited the fire this month, combining strong winds, low humidity and burning daily temperatures led to rapid expansion.
Here’s what we know about wildfires:
White Sage Fire Causing Closure Near Arizona
North of the Grand Canyon, the White Sage fire was first reported on July 9th, growing steadily, evacuating vast areas from the Kaibab Plateau to the Utah Arizona Line and the North Rim.
As of July 13, the wildfires had destroyed 40,186 acres of land and remained 0% contained, according to federal wildfire tracker Inciweb. No injuries or damaged structures have been reported.
Firefighters said they made significant progress over the weekend. Containment lines near the White Sage community were held as firefighters suppressed growth at the southern tip of the fire, according to Inciweb.
But to the north, the fires are experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the footsteps of the 2020 wildfires that temporarily closed North Rim, officials said.
“The hot, dry, windy conditions continue to challenge firefighting,” Inciweb said.
Dragon Bravo Fire: How it started and destroyed North Rim
The Dragon Bravo fire was fired on July 4th by lightning. Initially, firefighters tried to manage the flames by setting containment lines and stopping their growth.
However, over the weekend, strong winds of up to 40 mph burned, causing the fire to expand 500 acres overnight, engulfing dozens of structures, including the area’s historic cabins. The possibility of chlorine leaks also affected water treatment facilities that led officials to evacuate firefighters and stop airborne operations.
No injuries or deaths were reported as staff and hikers evacuated from the North Rim area before the size of the flame exploded.
Park officials said North Rim will remain closed for the remainder of the season, which runs from May 15th to October 15th. Visitors to the more popular South Rims, which are open all year round, are advised to stay up to date with possible air quality alerts.
“The fires are managed with an aggressive, complete control strategy,” the National Park Service said, adding that “fire behavior is still very active.”
Grand Canyon Lodge was destroyed by wildfires
Grand Canyon Lodge sat at the edge of the canyon, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views.
According to Park Service, the lodge was found in September 1937 when the original building burned to the ground in wildfires and wildfires.
The lodge building was made of limestone facades fed nearby, and the giant Ponderosa pine trees were transformed into beams to hold a sloping roof that could support large amounts of snow.
“We are being destroyed by the loss of Grand Canyon Lodge and historic buildings in North Rim,” read the National Park Service statement.
Rep. Greg Stanton of D-Ariz said on social media that the destruction of the lodge was “heartbreaking news for everyone who loves Arizona and this special place.”
Arizona Governor calls for an investigation into federal wildfire response
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs questioned the federal government’s handling of the Dragon Bravo Fire, which destroyed numerous structures on the northern edge of the Grand Canyon, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.
Hobbs said in a post on X that after a lightning fire, the federal government “chosen to manage that fire as a controlled burn in the driest and hottest part of Arizona’s summer.”
“I am asking the federal government for a comprehensive and independent investigation into fire management and a report detailing the decision that led to this devastating outcome,” she wrote.
“As someone born and raised in Arizona, I know what Grand Canyon National Park means to many people not only in Arizona, but also to many around the world, and how devastating it is to see this damage done to one of Arizona’s most precious landmarks.”
