Grand Canyon Lodge destroyed by wildfire: Here's what we know at the moment
The historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim was consumed by one of two wildfires that were burning about 30 miles apart to the north of the Grand Canyon. The fires had grown to over 45,000 acres by July 13, according to state and federal fire officials.
The Grand Canyon Lodge opened in 1937 and was the only hotel located inside the national park at the North Rim.
"The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior the evening of July 12, resulting in a 500-acre expansion," park officials said in a social media post on July 13. "Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area."
Here's what we know about the wildfires and the damage they have caused so far.
The original North Rim lodge was built in part for the Union Pacific Railroad, which quickly reestablished a cafeteria and recreation hall after the 1932 fire, according to the National Park Service.
The new lodge sat on the foundation of the former and used many of the original's materials, but was scaled back in its design, removing a second story and observation tower that were part of the original, according to the park service.
Architect Gilber Stanely Underwood followed National Park Service guidelines that required buildings to represent their environment. The lodge was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, according to the National Park Service.
Grand Canyon National Park officials said preliminary assessments indicated that "between 50 to 80 structures" have been lost, including park service administrative buildings and visitor facilities.
No injuries or loss of life have been reported, park service officials said, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated before the fire's escalation.
The inner canyon, including Phantom Ranch, was closed, as were trails to the inner canyon, because a water treatment facility on the North Rim was damaged by fire and was leaking chlorine gas, park officials said. Chlorine gas is toxic and is heavier than air, meaning it could settle into the lower part of the canyon.
Park officials said the gas leak prevented fire retardant from being dropped and forced firefighting personnel to evacuate.
The North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of the 2025 season due to "continued active fire behavior and ongoing risks to personnel and infrastructure," park officials said July 13.
Additionally, all inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds, and associated areas are closed until further notice, including:
North Kaibab Trail
South Kaibab Trail
Phantom Ranch
Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens
Park service officials said the fire is being managed with an "aggressive full suppression strategy."
Officials said that fire managers began ordering retardant drops on the east side of the developed area, including the Roaring Springs drainage, as suppression efforts continue.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grand Canyon Lodge destroyed by volatile wildfire: What we know now
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