An official says a historic Grand Canyon lodge has been destroyed by wildfire
Share this @internewscast.com

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — A historic lodge on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has been engulfed by a rapidly advancing wildfire, as confirmed by the park on Sunday.

The Grand Canyon Lodge, which stands as the sole accommodation option within the park’s North Rim, was overtaken by the fire, according to park Superintendent Ed Keable. He informed park residents, staff, and others during a Sunday morning meeting that the visitor center, gas station, wastewater treatment plant, an administrative building, and several employee residences were also destroyed.

Currently, two wildfires are active in or close to the North Rim area, identified as the White Sage Fire and the Bravo Dragon Fire. It was the Bravo Dragon Fire that inflicted damage upon the lodge and other facilities. Initially managed as a controlled burn, park officials transitioned to suppression tactics as the fire expanded swiftly, according to fire authorities.

Millions of people visit Grand Canyon National Park annually, with most going to the more popular South Rim. The North Rim is open seasonally. It was evacuated last Thursday because of wildfire.

The burning of the water treatment plant resulted in the release of chlorine gas that prompted the evacuation of firefighters and hikers from the inner canyon, park officials said Sunday. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and can quickly settle into lower elevations such as the inner canyon, posing a health risk.

Meanwhile, officials reported progress in battling a second wildfire burning north of the Grand Canyon. Fire lines on the White Sage Fire that forced evacuations at the North Rim and in the community of Jacob Lake were holding, officials said. On the southern edge of the fire, hand crews and bulldozers were working uphill, and the spread of the blaze had been minimal.

But to the east and north, the fire has spread rapidly, with grasses and standing dead trees contributing to the fire’s intensity, officials said. The fire was pushing downhill toward the Vermilion Cliffs area, and crews were assessing opportunities to create buffer zones that help slow or halt the fire’s progress.

___

This story has been updated to correct spelling of superintendent’s last name to Keable, not Keeble, in second paragraph.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cardinal found with phone during papal conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV, book reveals

Shocking Revelation: Cardinal Caught with Phone During Secretive Papal Conclave to Elect Pope Leo XIV

In a surprising revelation shared in a newly published book, it has…
Khamenei’s death opens uncertain chapter for Iran’s entrenched theocracy

End of an Era: What Khamenei’s Passing Means for the Future of Iran’s Theocratic Regime

US base in Saudi Arabia under attack Jennifer Griffin, Fox News’ chief…
Anti-US protesters funded by pro-China tycoon mobilize as first bombs fall on Iran

Pro-China Financier Backs Anti-US Demonstrations Amid Escalating Tensions in Iran

In the stillness of night, just moments before President Donald Trump revealed…
Multiple high-ranking Islamic commanders, regime officials killed in Operation Epic Fury: report

Operation Epic Fury: A Decisive Blow to High-Ranking Islamic Commanders and Regime Officials

A significant number of high-ranking commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,…
Iranians chant and dance in the streets after US, Israeli air strikes

Jubilant Iranian Protests Ignite: Streets Fill with Chants and Dance Post US-Israeli Air Strikes

In a wave of jubilation, Iranians took to the streets to celebrate…
Gulf states condemn Iranian retaliatory strikes on their territories following US-Israeli operation

Gulf Nations Denounce Iranian Counterattacks on Their Lands After US-Israeli Operation

Tensions are escalating in the Middle East as Arab nations express strong…
NYC Council ready to greenlight police widows property-tax break

NYC Council Poised to Approve Property Tax Relief for Police Widows

The New York City Council is poised to accelerate the passage of…
Early US and Israeli strikes spell out aims of 'massive' attack on Iran

US-Israeli Military Strikes Foreshadow Strategic Offensive Against Iran

The extensive joint military offensive by the United States and Israel against…
Dozens of top Iranian regime officials, supreme leader killed in Israeli strikes

Israeli Strikes Target Iranian Leadership: Supreme Leader Among Dozens of Officials Killed

The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it had conducted extensive coordinated…
Noor and Reza Pahlavi Celebrate Reported Death of Ayatollah Khamenei After Iran Strikes

Noor and Reza Pahlavi Mark Ayatollah Khamenei’s Reported Passing Amidst Recent Iran Strikes

The exiled Iranian crown prince and his daughter, who resides in Los…
The dream of the ’90s is alive in retro TV reboots from prestige directors

Reviving the 90s: How Prestige Directors Are Breathing New Life into Classic TV Shows

Perhaps it’s the nostalgia of viewing the past through rose-tinted lenses or…
Sharon and Kelly Osbourne accept Ozzy's lifetime award at BRITs with heartfelt tribute

Sharon and Kelly Osbourne Honor Ozzy with Emotional Tribute During Lifetime Achievement Award at BRITs

In a heartfelt tribute, Sharon Osbourne and her daughter Kelly delivered an…