Wildfire Devastates Historic Lodge in Grand Canyon’s North Rim
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A rapidly spreading wildfire has ravaged a historic lodge and numerous other buildings in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, prompting officials to close off access to the area for the remainder of the season, as announced by the park on Sunday.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, the sole accommodation located in the North Rim park, was engulfed by flames, as confirmed by Park Principal Edkeeble during a meeting with residents, staff, and others. He reported that visitor centers, gas stations, wastewater treatment facilities, management buildings, and employee housing are part of the estimated 50-80 structures that have been lost. Additionally, many historic cabins in the vicinity have also been destroyed.
Currently, two wildfires are active in or around the North Rim, namely the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire, with the latter affecting the lodge and other structures.
The Dragon Bravo Fire began with a lightning strike on July 4th and was initially managed using a “limit and containment” approach to remove fuel sources. Firefighters switched to aggressive suppression tactics a week later as hot temperatures, low humidity, and high winds caused the blaze to escalate rapidly, ultimately covering 7.8 square miles.
Reports indicate that the White Sage Fire doubled in size on Sunday, expanding from approximately 20,000 acres to 40,000 acres.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Millions flock to the Grand Canyon National Park annually, with most visitors drawn to the more well-known South Rim. Although the North Rim is open year-round, it was evacuated last Thursday due to the wildfire and will remain closed for the season, according to a statement from the park.
Firefighters and hikers from the North Rim were evacuated over the weekend. The park has warned that, in addition to the fire risk, there could be exposure to chlorine gas resulting from the burned treatment facilities. This gas can pose serious health risks, including vision problems and respiratory issues.
Rafters on the Colorado River have been advised to steer clear of Phantom Ranch, which includes a set of riverside cabins and dormitory accommodations.
The Grand Canyon Lodge was often the first striking feature visitors spotted, thanks to its distinctive rooftops and impressive stone architecture. Strolling through the lobby and down the staircase provided an initial glimpse of the Grand Canyon, especially from the lobby’s sunroom.
Tim Allen, a long-time Flagstaff resident and frequent Grand Canyon visitor, expressed his sadness over the loss. “It felt special and personal because of its remoteness and lower tourist traffic. That’s heartbreaking,” he reflected.
Aramark, the company that operated the lodge, confirmed that all employees and guests were safely evacuated. “As custodians of some of our country’s treasured sites, we are heartbroken by these losses,” spokesperson Debbie Albert stated.
The Grand Canyon Historical Society revealed that the lodge had experienced a previous fire in 1932, just after its construction. A redesigned version opened in 1937, utilizing some of the original stonework.
The society’s president, Thomas Sulpizio, mentioned that invaluable archives may not have been saved.
The lodge also housed a notable 600-pound bronze statue of a donkey known as “Brighty the Burro.”
Meanwhile, progress has been reported in combating a second wildfire burning north of the Grand Canyon. Officials indicated that fire lines had been established to contain the White Sage Fire, which led to evacuations in North Rim and at Lake Jacob. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire had consumed 63 square miles.
On the southern flank, firefighting teams utilized bulldozers and hand crews to manage the situation, reporting minimal flame spread. However, fire activity surged in the eastern and northern sections, exacerbated by dry grass and dead trees. The fire was advancing toward cliff areas, prompting crews to explore options for creating buffer zones to control its spread.
Wildfires Affect Colorado National Parks
In another development, various wildfires in Colorado have led to the closure of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, about 260 miles southwest of Denver. One particular fire, sparked by lightning, has burned 5.6 square miles, prompting evacuations for nearby homes.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration as these fires are all linked to the same storm system.
Additionally, another wildfire near the Utah border, close to La Sal, began on the same day and has consumed around 14 square miles.
