Arizona: A pair of fast-moving wildfires have wreaked havoc across the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona, destroying the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge and up to 80 other structures. The devastation has prompted the closure of the entire North Rim area for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Park Superintendent Ed Keable confirmed the destruction of the historic lodge, along with a visitor center, fuel station, wastewater treatment facility, administrative buildings, and employee residences.
“This is a heartbreaking loss, not only for the park and the state of Arizona, but for the millions of people who have cherished memories of this place,” Keable said.
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 primary fire responsible, known as the Dragon Bravo Fire, began on July 4 following a lightning strike. It had initially been managed under a confine and contain strategy. However, extreme weather conditions marked by soaring temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds caused the fire to rapidly expand to more than 20 square kilometers (7.8 square miles).
Another nearby blaze, the White Sage Fire, is also burning near the North Rim but has caused comparatively less damage. No injuries have been reported, but the destruction has been severe and widespread.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into how the National Park Service handled the initial response to the wildfire.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, a rustic stone-and-timber structure, was often the first sight to greet visitors arriving at the North Rim and served as a symbol of the park’s rich history and timeless charm. Built in the 1920s and rebuilt after a previous fire in 1932, the lodge had become an enduring destination for generations of tourists.
News Release—Grand Canyon National Park Update on Dragon Bravo Firehttps://t.co/uZyFtMULkl pic.twitter.com/Vl2QHWf2Uh
— Grand Canyon NPS (@GrandCanyonNPS) July 13, 2025
The North Rim, open only seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, receives significantly fewer visitors than the South Rim, which remains unaffected and open to the public. However, the North Rim’s natural serenity, historic architecture, and panoramic views have made it a cherished retreat for nearly a century.
The Grand Canyon, considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, attracts nearly five million visitors annually. Formed over millions of years by the relentless erosion of the Colorado River, the canyon spans more than 30 kilometers (18 miles) in width and plunges over 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) in depth.
