A wildfire raging along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures, prompting Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to demand a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s initial response.
The blaze, ignited by lightning on July 4, had smoldered for over a week before erupting this past weekend. Park officials initially adopted a “confine and contain” strategy, allowing the fire to clear vegetation while monitoring its spread.
But as soaring temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds intensified the blaze, authorities pivoted to full suppression tactics.
“This fire was allowed to decimate Grand Canyon National Park,” Gov. Hobbs posted on social media Sunday. “The federal government chose to manage it as a controlled burn during the driest, hottest part of the Arizona summer. Arizonans deserve answers.”
By Sunday, the Dragon Bravo Fire had engulfed nearly eight square miles and consumed the only lodging facility on the North Rim, along with employee housing, cabins, and a wastewater treatment plant. A chlorine gas leak at the treatment site briefly forced firefighters to retreat.
Park Superintendent Ed Keable confirmed that the North Rim, which receives about 10% of the canyon’s annual visitors, will remain closed for the rest of the year. Fifty to eighty structures were lost in the fire, though no injuries have been reported.
Evacuations were carried out for hikers in the area, and rafters on the Colorado River were directed to avoid Phantom Ranch, a popular rest stop within the canyon.
Caren Carney, a visitor from Georgia, said her family was evacuated just days before the lodge burned. “It was a magical place,” she said. “I’m so glad we got one final look before it was lost.”
The Grand Canyon Lodge, perched on the rim with sweeping canyon views, dated back to 1928 but had been rebuilt in 1937 after a fire destroyed the original structure. It was known for its towering ponderosa beams, limestone facade, and a bronze statue of “Brighty the Burro.”
Nationwide, roughly 80 fires are currently being managed, and another 36 remain uncontained, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Nearly 2.5 million acres have burned so far this year slightly below the 10-year average.
Nearby, the White Sage Fire has charred over 63 square miles, though progress has been reported in containing it.
In Colorado, a lightning-sparked wildfire at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has led to home evacuations and the park’s closure. On Sunday, Governor Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration in response to the fire and others burning across western Colorado.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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