Two wildfires, ignited by lightning, have wreaked havoc on the North Rim of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous other structures.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, sparked on July 4, rapidly expanded to 5,000 acres, fueled by 40 mph wind gusts, engulfing the lodge and nearby facilities.
The White Sage Fire, starting July 9, has scorched over 40,000 acres in the Kaibab National Forest, exacerbating the crisis.
No casualties have been reported, and all residents and tourists were safely evacuated, but the North Rim remains closed for the season.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, a seasonal hotel since its reconstruction in 1937 after a 1932 kitchen fire, was a cherished landmark known for its stunning views and distinctive architecture.
Featuring a sloped roof, ponderosa beams, and limestone facade, it was a focal point for visitors, often their first sight before the canyon itself.
The lodge housed valuable archives and a 600-pound bronze statue of “Brighty the Burro,” with uncertainty surrounding their preservation.
The loss of this historic site, alongside 50 to 80 structures including administrative buildings and cabins, marks a significant blow to Arizona’s heritage.
Firefighting operations face significant obstacles due to dry conditions, erratic winds, and a chlorine gas leak from a damaged water treatment facility, which forced firefighters to evacuate critical areas.
Aerial fire retardant drops have been deployed to slow the Dragon Bravo Fire, while 500 personnel battle the uncontained White Sage Fire using a full suppression strategy.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the fire management, citing concerns over initial controlled burn strategies.
The closure of Phantom Ranch, North Kaibab Trail, and South Kaibab Trail underscores the fires’ widespread impact on the park’s operations.