Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Lost in Devastating Wildfire

The Dragon Bravo Fire has ravaged the Grand Canyon, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and forcing the North Rim's closure for the season.

A severe wildfire blazing near the Grand Canyon in Arizona has led to substantial destruction, including the loss of the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, the park's sole accommodation option on the North Rim. The Dragon Bravo Fire, alongside the White Sage Fire, has engulfed vast expanses, incinerating numerous structures and leading to an extended closure of the North Rim for the rest of 2025.

Operating since the 1930s, the Grand Canyon Lodge provided guests with dining services, a gift shop, and postal facilities at an elevation of around 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). In an official statement, Aramark, the lodge's operating company, expressed sorrow over the loss, assuring the safe evacuation of all staff and visitors. Fortunately, no injuries from the fire have been reported, though officials estimate 50 to 80 buildings, including administrative and visitor facilities, were destroyed by the relentless flames fueled by winds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h).

Firefighters have faced additional challenges, including evacuations prompted by a chlorine leak from a nearby water treatment facility which posed potential hazards both for them and hikers. The White Sage Fire, burning over 40,000 acres in the Kaibab National Forest, has forcibly displaced hundreds of residents. Both fires are suspected to have been ignited by lightning strikes, according to the National Park Service.

With nearly five million tourists visiting the Grand Canyon in 2024, the popular destination continues to maintain access to the South Rim, however, the impact of the fire on the North Rim’s tourism sector remains to be seen.