Arizona wildfire destroys Grand Canyon North Rim lodge and closes national park access
Iain Hoey
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Wildfire damages historic lodge and forces North Rim closure
A wildfire has destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, according to AP News.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, one of two wildfires burning in the area, grew rapidly following a lightning strike on 4 July 2025.
Park Superintendent Ed Keable confirmed the destruction during a meeting with staff and residents.
The park said between 50 and 80 buildings were lost, including the visitor centre, gas station, waste water treatment plant, and some employee residences.
The North Rim, which was evacuated last Thursday, will remain closed for the rest of the season, the National Park Service confirmed.
Arizona Governor requests federal inquiry into response
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for an investigation into the National Park Service’s handling of the Dragon Bravo Fire.
In a statement on X, Governor Hobbs said: “They must first take aggressive action to end the wildfire and prevent further damage.
“Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park.”
The fire had initially been managed using a “confine and contain” strategy, but suppression tactics were escalated when the fire grew to over 7.8 square miles due to wind, heat and low humidity.
No injuries have been reported.
Evacuations and chemical safety warnings issued
Firefighters and hikers in the Grand Canyon area were evacuated over the weekend due to ongoing fire risks and potential chemical hazards.
The park reported that chlorine gas may have been released after the treatment plant was destroyed.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlorine gas can cause respiratory issues, blurred vision and irritation when inhaled.
Rafters on the Colorado River were advised to avoid Phantom Ranch due to the hazards.
Historic lodge destroyed by Dragon Bravo Fire
The Grand Canyon Lodge was the only lodging available on the North Rim.
Originally constructed in the 1920s, the current structure was rebuilt in 1937 following a fire in 1932.
The lodge was known for its stonework, timber features, and a panoramic canyon view from the Sun Room.
Tim Allen, a Flagstaff resident and regular visitor, said: “It just feels like you’re a pioneer when you walk through there (the lodge).
“It really felt like you were in a time gone by. It’s heartbreaking.”
Fire containment progress in Arizona and Colorado
Park officials reported progress on the White Sage Fire, which is burning north of the Grand Canyon and threatening the community of Jacob Lake.
By Sunday afternoon, the fire had covered 63 square miles.
Crews were working to contain the blaze on multiple fronts, with some areas showing minimal spread.
The fire’s advance continued in the east and north, where standing dead trees and dry grass accelerated its movement.
In Colorado, a separate lightning-caused wildfire has forced evacuations and led to the closure of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Governor Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration on Sunday, confirming that multiple fires in the western part of the state began during the same storm.
Another fire near the Colorado-Utah border, also caused by lightning, has burned approximately 14 square miles.
Arizona wildfire destroys Grand Canyon North Rim lodge and closes national park access: Summary
A wildfire has destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
The Dragon Bravo Fire was caused by lightning on 4 July 2025.
It grew rapidly due to weather conditions.
Between 50 and 80 buildings were lost.
The North Rim is closed for the season.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs called for a federal investigation.
No injuries have been reported.
Chlorine gas exposure was reported after a treatment plant was damaged.
Rafters were advised to avoid Phantom Ranch.
The original lodge burned down in 1932 and was rebuilt in 1937.
The current lodge included historic materials and a bronze statue.
Progress has been reported on the nearby White Sage Fire.
Crews are working to contain fires using hand tools and bulldozers.
In Colorado, a wildfire has closed another national park.
The fires in Colorado also began on 4 July due to lightning.
A disaster declaration has been issued in Colorado.
