Wildfire along Grand Canyon's North Rim destroys historic lodge and is spreading rapidly
Share this @internewscast.com

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A wildfire that destroyed a historic lodge and a visitors center on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has expanded significantly over a week since it started, as firefighters continued their efforts on Monday to contain it.

Park authorities have decided to close access to the North Rim for the remainder of the year. This area is more secluded and less frequented, attracting merely about 10% of the Grand Canyon’s millions of visitors annually.

The fire has demolished the Grand Canyon Lodge, the sole accommodation within the park’s North Rim, along with cabins, staff housing, and a sewage treatment facility, park Superintendent Ed Keable stated on Sunday.

From the air, plumes of black smoke could be seen rising above the canyon walls.

Firefighters at the North Rim and hikers in the inner canyon were evacuated during the weekend over concerns about the fire and potential exposure to chlorine gas after a treatment plant burned.

Rafters on the Colorado River, which snakes through the Grand Canyon, were told to bypass Phantom Ranch, an outpost of cabins and dormitories at the bottom of the canyon.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on Sunday called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s decision not to first aggressively attack the fire, which was sparked by lightning July 4.

Authorities first used a “confine and contain” strategy by clearing fuel sources, but shifted to aggressive suppression a week later as the fire rapidly grew to 7.8 square miles (20 square kilometers) because of hot temperatures, low humidity and strong wind gusts, fire officials said.

“Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park,” the governor said in a social media post.

No injuries have been reported, but 50 to 80 structures have been lost, the park superintendent said.

There are two wildfires burning near the North Rim — the Dragon Bravo Fire that destroyed the lodge and other buildings and the White Sage Fire, which by Sunday afternoon had charred 63 square miles (162 square kilometers) of terrain.

Officials reported progress in battling the White Sage Fire.

Nearly 5 million people visited the Grand Canyon last year, with most sticking to the South Rim. Roads in the North Rim are closed to vehicles in the winter and the lodge opens in May through mid-October.

The Grand Canyon Lodge, known for its huge ponderosa beams, massive limestone facade and a bronze statue of a donkey named “Brighty the Burro,” was perched on the edge of the North Rim and offered sweeping views of the canyon.

Caren Carney was staying at the lodge last week with her husband, parents and 12-year-old son when a park ranger knocked on their door Thursday and told them to evacuate.

She was heartbroken Sunday to hear that such a “magical place” had burned down. After evacuating, the family from Georgia went to the South Rim and could see the blaze from across the canyon.

“I’m so glad we got to have one final look at it in the present before it was lost,” Carney said.

Aramark, the company that operated the lodge, said all employees and guests were safely evacuated.

An original lodge burned down from a kitchen fire in 1932, four years after construction was completed, according to the Grand Canyon Historical Society. The redesigned lodge using the original stonework opened in 1937.

Elsewhere, a wildfire burning in southwestern Colorado closed Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and forced the evacuation of homes near the park. The fire was started by lightning Thursday on the south rim of the park, a dramatic, deep gorge carved by the Gunnison River.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration Sunday because of it and other fires burning in western Colorado.

___

Ding reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Colleen Slevin in Denver; Bruce Schreiner in Louisville, Kentucky; and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Faulty glucose sensors used by diabetes patients linked to 7 deaths, hundreds of medical issues

Defective Glucose Sensors for Diabetes Patients Tied to 7 Fatalities and Numerous Health Complications

Approximately 3 million glucose sensors across the United States are at the…
LA man seen throwing Molotov cocktail into federal building, feds say

Federal Authorities Report LA Man Allegedly Hurls Molotov Cocktail into Government Building

Federal authorities have unveiled new images of the individual accused of hurling…
Repeat offender accused of kidnapping, rape after online pickup months after avoiding prison time

Repeat Offender Faces New Charges of Kidnapping and Rape Following Online Encounter, Months After Skirting Prison Sentence

A Minnesota man with a history of sex crime convictions is facing…
Student found with guns, body armor, diagram of University of Delaware police department, authorities say

University of Delaware Student Arrested: Guns, Body Armor, and Police Department Map Discovered

In Wilmington, Delaware, a concerning incident has unfolded as a University of…
University of Delaware student accused of 'frightening' plot to attack campus police

University of Delaware Student Allegedly Involved in Disturbing Plot Against Campus Police

A student from the University of Delaware has been apprehended and faces…
'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026' announces largest performer lineup in history!

Record-Breaking Lineup Unveiled for 2026 ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest

Anticipation is building for an electrifying New Year’s Eve as a star-studded…
Europeans accuse Putin of feigning interest in peace after talks with US envoys

Europeans Call Out Putin’s Alleged Peace Charade Following High-Stakes Talks with US Envoys

KYIV, Ukraine — On Wednesday, Ukraine and its European partners accused Russian…
Shredded cheese sold in 31 states recalled over metal fragment contamination

Urgent Recall Alert: Shredded Cheese in 31 States Contaminated with Metal Fragments

Shoppers at major retailers such as Aldi, Target, and Walmart may want…
California Christian college student founds pro-life club after school rejects Students for Life chapter

California College Student Champions Pro-Life Movement with New Club After School Denies Students for Life Chapter

A determined pro-life advocate at a Christian college in California has successfully…
Larry Summers hit with lifetime ban by high-profile economics club over Epstein ties

Economics Club Issues Lifetime Ban to Larry Summers Amid Epstein Controversy

A prominent academic organization in the United States has permanently expelled former…
'Enough is enough': Fernandina Beach commissioners approve first reading on paid parking ordinance

Fernandina Beach Takes Action: Commissioners Pass Initial Vote on New Paid Parking Plan

“I’m extremely proud of the commission’s decision,” City Commissioner Tim Poynter expressed.…
Harvey, IL news: More city layoffs expected as Harvey Fire Department operates with less than half of its staff

Harvey, IL Faces Major Layoffs: Fire Department Struggles with Critical Staffing Shortage

HARVEY, Ill. (WLS) — Just a couple of months back, Harvey boasted…