Fire
The historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim of Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park has been reduced to ashes after a fast-moving wildfire swept through the area over the weekend. Officials confirmed that the Dragon Bravo Fire, fueled by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, destroyed the lodge and between 50 and 80 other structures, including administrative buildings, a visitor center, a gas station, a wastewater treatment facility, and employee housing.
- Related: Evacuations Ordered and North Rim Closed at Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, Due to Wildfire Threat
The North Rim, which operates seasonally and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, was evacuated last Thursday as the fire advanced. All staff and residents were safely evacuated before the fire’s escalation, and no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
I am incredibly saddened by the destruction of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and my heart goes out to every person impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
Thank you to every firefighter and first responder taking action to combat the flames.
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) July 14, 2025
The Dragon Bravo Fire began on July 4 after a lightning strike ignited dry brush and forest. Initially managed under a “confine and contain” strategy, the fire quickly outpaced suppression efforts as gusts reached up to 40 mph, causing the blaze to expand rapidly to more than 5,000 acres by Sunday. The White Sage Fire, burning north of the canyon, has scorched more than 40,000 acres, further straining firefighting resources.
Efforts to contain the Dragon Bravo Fire were complicated when flames damaged the North Rim’s water treatment facility, causing a chlorine gas leak. The toxic gas, heavier than air, forced the evacuation of firefighters and hikers from the inner canyon and prevented the use of aerial fire retardant near critical infrastructure. As a result, all inner canyon trails, including the North and South Kaibab Trails and Phantom Ranch, remain closed until further notice.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, constructed in 1937 and designated a National Historic Landmark, was the only lodging facility within the park’s North Rim. Built with local limestone and ponderosa pine, the lodge was a cherished destination for generations of visitors, offering panoramic views and a sense of history that connected guests to the canyon’s rugged landscape. The property included a main lodge, 23 deluxe cabins, and over 90 regular cabins, along with amenities such as a saloon, deli, coffee shop, post office, and gift shop.
The destruction of the lodge follows a similar fate to its predecessor, which burned down in 1932.
With fire behavior still active and risks to personnel and infrastructure ongoing, the North Rim will remain closed for the rest of the 2025 season. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s response to the wildfire, urging aggressive action to end the blaze and prevent further damage.
Fire crews continue to work to protect remaining structures and safeguard the park’s natural and cultural resources. The South Rim remains open to visitors, but authorities urge the public to avoid the North Rim and surrounding areas until containment is achieved.
As of July 13, the National Preparedness Level remains at 4, signaling high fire activity and significant demand for firefighting resources across the country. Seven new large wildfires have been reported. Firefighters are working to contain 36 uncontained large fires, while an additional 69 are being managed under strategies tailored to management goals. More than 14,200 wildland firefighters and support personnel, including 374 crews, 628 engines, and 127 helicopters, are assigned to fires across the nation.
