Historic Grand Canyon Lodge destroyed in wildfire, which closes North Rim for season

Published: Monday, July 14, 2025 at 11:59 am

Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Destroyed by Wildfire, North Rim Closed for Season

A devastating wildfire, the Dragon Bravo Fire, has ravaged the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, resulting in the complete destruction of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous other structures. The fire, which began on July 4th, has prompted the closure of the North Rim for the remainder of the season.

According to National Park Service (NPS) officials, the fire consumed the iconic lodge, a visitor center, a gas station, a wastewater treatment plant, administrative offices, and employee housing. The NPS estimates that between 50 and 80 structures were lost in the blaze. Thankfully, all staff and residents were evacuated before the fire intensified, and no injuries have been reported.

Initially, authorities employed a "confine and contain" strategy to manage the fire. However, due to extreme weather conditions, including scorching heat, low humidity, and high winds, officials shifted to full suppression efforts. The fire has now burned approximately 7.8 square miles.

The Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging available on the North Rim, was a significant landmark for visitors. Aramark, the company that operated the lodge, confirmed that all guests and employees were safely evacuated.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the NPS's response to the wildfire, seeking a report detailing the decisions that led to the extensive damage.

In related news, firefighters have made progress in containing the White Sage Fire, located north of the canyon. This fire, which had previously prompted evacuations, has burned 63 square miles.

BNN's Perspective: The destruction of the Grand Canyon Lodge is a significant loss, both for the park's infrastructure and the experience of visitors. While the initial "confine and contain" strategy is a common approach, the severity of the weather conditions warrants a thorough review of the decision-making process. It is crucial to balance environmental considerations with the safety of people and the preservation of valuable structures. The investigation requested by Governor Hobbs is a necessary step to understand the events and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Keywords: Grand Canyon, wildfire, North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge, Dragon Bravo Fire, National Park Service, NPS, Arizona, fire, destruction, evacuation, containment, White Sage Fire, Katie Hobbs, Aramark, structures, closure, investigation

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