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 kids as young as 8 steal car, lead police on chase crash into home, worried about Santa, presents: police

Ohio Children, Ages 8 and Up, Lead Police on High-Speed Chase Ending in Crash, Concerned Over Santa’s Gifts

In a surprising turn of events, three young boys from Ohio, including…
Trump announces he's appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as US special envoy to Greenland

Trump Names Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as Special Envoy to Greenland: Strategic Diplomatic Move

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday his…
6 alleged members of Faceworld Chicago gang charged with racketeering conspiracy, indicted in 13 murders: U.S. Attorney's Office

U.S. Attorney Charges Six Faceworld Chicago Gang Members in Major Racketeering Conspiracy Linked to 13 Murders

In a significant legal development, a federal grand jury has brought charges…
Why falling asleep on the couch could be ruining your holiday sleep

Discover How Couch Naps May Be Sabotaging Your Holiday Rest: Expert Tips to Improve Sleep Quality

LOS ANGELES — As the holiday season approaches, finding a restful night’s…
Former Nickelodeon star now 'homeless on the streets of Los Angeles'

Former Nickelodeon Star Faces Homelessness on the Streets of Los Angeles

Tylor Chase, once a familiar face on Nickelodeon, has recently been discovered…
ICE officers injured after illegal immigrant strikes agents, rams vehicles during arrest attempt

ICE Officers Injured in Arrest Incident Involving Unauthorized Immigrant

In a dramatic altercation in St. Paul, Minnesota, federal immigration officers faced…
Chicago firefighter, another person injured after West Side church fire spreads to another building at N. Lotus Ave., W. Huron St.

Chicago Firefighter and Civilian Injured as West Side Church Blaze Extends to Adjacent Building on N. Lotus Ave. and W. Huron St.

A blaze erupted on Sunday night, injuring a Chicago firefighter and another…
Little-known airline rule stops couple flying home for the holidays

Unexpected Airline Rule Disrupts Holiday Travel Plans for Couples – What You Need to Know!

A couple, enraged by a recent policy change, claimed they were barred…