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
Dishing With Diane: Sophia's Famous Pancakes off of I-65 in Merrillville, Indiana

Discover Sophia’s Renowned Pancakes: A Must-Visit Eatery Off I-65 in Merrillville, Indiana

In this week’s segment of “Dishing with Diane,” we’re thrilled to spotlight…
I know exactly where NYC is heading under Mamdani. It's already begun

Discover the Future of NYC: How Mamdani’s Vision is Transforming the Cityscape

Dave Portnoy, the mastermind behind Barstool Sports, seems to have lost any…
Blake Lively claims $161 million in damages due to ‘It Ends With Us’ smear campaign

Blake Lively Seeks $161 Million in Damages Over Alleged ‘It Ends With Us’ Defamation Campaign

Blake Lively has revealed that she incurred a massive financial loss of…
Flight cancellations pile up as airlines comply with government shutdown order

Airlines Face Surge in Cancellations Amid Compliance with Government Shutdown Directive

U.S. airlines started canceling hundreds of flights on Thursday following a directive…
Multiple people at Joint Base Andrews hospitalized from 'white powder'

Emergency Alert: Mysterious White Powder Incident at Joint Base Andrews Leads to Hospitalizations

Several individuals at a military base near Washington D.C. were taken to…
California woman launches 'Marry Lisa' billboards to find husband

California Woman Takes Love to New Heights with ‘Marry Lisa’ Billboard Campaign to Find Husband

In a bold move to find love, a woman from the San…
Florida AG files lawsuit against Planned Parenthood, claims abortion drugs are 'misrepresented'

Florida AG Takes Legal Action Against Planned Parenthood Over Alleged Misrepresentation of Abortion Drugs

Planned Parenthood is facing a lawsuit alleging misinformation regarding the safety of…
Air traffic cuts begin Friday morning: Updates around the country

Nationwide Air Traffic Reductions Commence Friday Morning: Latest Updates

Air travel across the United States is poised for disruption as airlines…