Mon Jul 14 06:57:10 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Destroyed by Wildfire; North Rim Devastated**
**Grand Canyon National Park, AZ –** A devastating wildfire has consumed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. The Dragon Bravo Fire, ignited by lightning on July 4th, rapidly spread due to hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, forcing the closure of the North Rim and the evacuation of visitors and staff.
Park Superintendent Ed Keable confirmed the Grand Canyon Lodge was a total loss. In addition to the lodge, a park visitor center, petrol station, wastewater treatment plant, administrative building, and employee housing were also destroyed, with estimates placing the total number of lost structures between 50 and 80.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, initially managed with a “confine and contain” strategy, has grown to approximately 20 square kilometers (7.8 square miles). A second wildfire, the White Sage Fire, is also burning near the North Rim.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s response to the wildfire, stating on X, “Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park.”
No injuries have been reported, and Aramark, the company that operated the Grand Canyon Lodge, confirmed that all employees and guests were safely evacuated.
The North Rim, which is open seasonally, will remain closed for the remainder of the season. Firefighters and hikers in the inner canyon were also evacuated due to fire risk and potential exposure to chlorine gas from the destroyed wastewater treatment plant.
The loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, a landmark visited by millions, is a significant blow. “It just feels like you’re a pioneer when you walk through [the lodge],” said Tim Allen, a yearly visitor to the Grand Canyon. “It really felt like you were in a time gone by.”
The Grand Canyon National Park has asked that visitors heed all safety warnings and advisories. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
First Piper 