Wildfire Devastates Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Amid Ongoing Blaze

A significant wildfire in Arizona has led to the destruction of the Grand Canyon Lodge and forced the closure of the park's North Rim for the remainder of the tourist season, with authorities still battling the flames that have consumed tens of thousands of acres.

A fierce wildfire near the Grand Canyon has wreaked havoc, decimating historic structures including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging available within the North Rim of the national park. The Dragon Bravo Fire, which ignited on July 4 due to a lightning strike, along with another blaze termed the White Sage Fire, has led to the destruction of dozens of buildings and the closure of the North Rim for the rest of the 2025 tourism season. As of Monday, both fires remain completely uncontained.

The Grand Canyon Lodge, which started serving guests in the 1930s and provided dining options, a gift shop, and postal services, has been lost to the destructive fire. Aramark, the operator of the lodge, expressed its sorrow over the loss, noting that all staff and guests were safely evacuated. So far, no injuries related to the incident have been reported.

Strong winds, reaching speeds of 40mph (64km/h), have contributed to the rapid spread of the fires, leading authorities to take precautionary measures, including evacuations. A hazardous leak of chlorine gas from a nearby water treatment facility forced firefighters to withdraw from certain areas due to the danger posed by the gas, which can accumulate in low-lying areas.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed her gratitude to first responders while calling for a thorough investigation into the federal government's management of the Dragon Bravo Fire, which she claims was improperly handled as a controlled burn amidst the peak of the summer season. The U.S. Interior Department, however, has countered that these allegations of mismanagement are unfounded, emphasizing their commitment to addressing wildfire threats.

As the White Sage Fire continues to rage across more than 40,000 acres of the Kaibab National Forest, it has already prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The Grand Canyon remains a major tourist attraction, welcoming nearly five million visitors in 2024. While the South Rim is still open, the devastation at the North Rim has left a significant impact on the area and its visitors.