The Dragon Bravo Fire has obliterated the Grand Canyon Lodge, among other structures, leading to the closure of the North Rim for the 2025 tourist season and widespread evacuations as firefighting efforts continue.
Grand Canyon Lodge Lost to Devastating Wildfires
Grand Canyon Lodge Lost to Devastating Wildfires
A historic lodge at the Grand Canyon has been destroyed as wildfires ravage the North Rim, prompting evacuations and park closures.
A severe wildfire near the Grand Canyon has wreaked havoc on the North Rim, leading to the destruction of numerous structures, including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, which was the sole accommodation available within the park. The Dragon Bravo Fire, along with another significant fire named the White Sage Fire, has burned through tens of thousands of acres, prompting authorities in Arizona to declare a state of emergency and close the North Rim for the rest of the 2025 tourist season.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, which had been in operation since the 1930s, featured dining facilities, a gift shop, and a post office, and was situated at an elevation of around 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). "We are heartbroken over the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge," said Aramark, the company managing the lodge, in a statement. "We are thankful that all employees and guests have evacuated safely." Fortunately, no injuries have been reported due to the fires, which have been fanned by gusty winds reaching up to 40 mph (64 km/h).
Initial evaluations by the National Park Service (NPS) suggest that between 50 and 80 buildings have been consumed by the Dragon Bravo Fire. Fire crews have also faced evacuation orders due to hazardous conditions caused by a chlorine leak at a nearby water treatment plant. Since chlorine gas is denser than air, it poses a considerable risk to anyone at lower elevations, including firefighters and visitors.
The White Sage Fire has also significantly impacted the area, burning over 40,000 acres of the Kaibab National Forest and leading to the evacuation of hundreds of locals. Both wildfires are suspected to have been ignited by lightning strikes, according to the park service. The Grand Canyon, which drew nearly five million visitors in 2024, remains a beloved tourist destination, albeit with limited access as the South Rim continues to remain open amidst these challenging conditions.
