Share and Follow

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim has been destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire, the park said Sunday.

The Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging inside the park at the North Rim, was consumed by the flames, park Superintendent Ed Keable told park residents, staff and others in a meeting Sunday morning. He said the visitor center, the gas station, a waste water treatment plant, an administrative building and some employee housing were among the 50 to 80 structures lost.

Two wildfires are burning at or near the North Rim, known as the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire. The latter is the one that impacted the lodge and other structures. The park initially was managing it as a controlled burn but then shifted to suppression as it rapidly grew to 7.8 square miles (20 square kilometers) because of hot temperatures, low humidity and wind, fire officials said.

No injuries have been reported.

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.

Firefighters at the North Rim and hikers in the inner canyon were evacuated over the weekend. The park said along with the fire risk, they could potentially be exposed to chlorine gas after the treatment plant burned. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and can lead to blurred vision, irritation or respiratory problems if high amounts of it are breathed in, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rafters on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon also were told to bypass Phantom Ranch, which has a set of cabins and dormitories along the river.

The North Rim lodge was often the first prominent feature that visitors see, even before viewing the canyon. A highway ends at the lodge, which was known for its sloped roof, huge ponderosa beams and massive limestone facade. By walking across the lobby and descending a stairwell, visitors could get their first view of the Grand Canyon shining through windows across the “Sun Room.”

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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ohio OKs new map giving GOP an edge in 2 districts

Ohio Approves Controversial Redistricting Plan Boosting GOP Influence in Two Key Districts

In a recent bipartisan decision, Ohio lawmakers from both parties endorsed a…
Former Green Beret Jordan Goudreau walks to the United States Courthouse for a bond hearing in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O

Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Green Beret Linked to Unsuccessful Venezuela Operation Following Absence at Hearing

In a dramatic turn of events in Tampa, a federal judge has…
UFO tracker maps eerie clusters of unidentified objects lurking beneath US shorelines: 'We're being lied to'

Mysterious Clusters of Unidentified Objects Discovered Beneath US Shores: What Are We Not Being Told?

Tune into Fox News for exclusive access to this story. Get special…
Meet the athlete, 82, doing his 50th New York City Marathon

82-Year-Old Runner Prepares for His Landmark 50th NYC Marathon

Dave Obelkevich’s initial encounter with the New York City Marathon back in…
Strip club executives allegedly bribed tax auditor with lap dances and luxury trips to slash tax bills

Tax Auditor Allegedly Enticed with Exotic Dances and Lavish Getaways by Strip Club Executives to Reduce Tax Liabilities

In a scandal that has rocked the entertainment industry, a group of…
Peaceful protests in Chicago amid scrutiny of Border Patrol chief

Cartels Allegedly Offering $10,000 Bounty for Attacks on Border Patrol Agents, Memo Reveals

Federal authorities have issued a stark warning about a dangerous new strategy…
Daylight saving time: When do clocks fall back in 2025?

Daylight Saving Time 2023: When to Set Clocks Back for the Fall Time Change

The semi-annual ritual of changing the clocks is just around the corner…

Century City Family Grieves Loss of Grandmother in Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident

A memorial of white flowers now stands at the crossroads of Pico…