Historic Lodge Lost in Devastating Grand Canyon Wildfire

Mon Oct 20 2025 06:22:44 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A significant wildfire has caused extensive damage in the Grand Canyon region, engulfing a historic lodge providing vital accommodation in the North Rim area.

The Grand Canyon Lodge, a cherished landmark since the 1930s, was consumed by the raging Dragon Bravo Fire which has destroyed numerous structures and forced a closure of the North Rim for the rest of the 2025 tourist season. Firefighters continue their efforts to manage the blazes that have taken over tens of thousands of acres. Authorities in Arizona, under the National Park Service (NPS), reported that 50 to 80 buildings, including essential visitor facilities and administrative structures, have been lost. The lodge also housed dining amenities, a gift shop, and a post office.

Aramark, the lodge's operator, expressed their sorrow over this loss while confirming the safe evacuation of staff and visitors amidst the wildfires, which were fueled by high winds of over 40 mph (64 km/h). The Dragon Bravo Fire’s initial assessments paint a grim picture of the destruction, while nearby risk factors, such as chlorine gas leaks from a water treatment facility, forced evacuations of firefighting crews. The White Sage Fire, burning over 40,000 acres, adds to the crisis, both fires believed to have originated from lightning strikes.

With close to five million visitors drawn to the Grand Canyon in 2024, the South Rim remains open, but the devastating impact of these wildfires highlights the fragility of natural wonders and visitor facilities alike.