Grand Canyon North Rim Devastated: Historic Lodge Lost, Full 2025 Closure Announced Amid Investigation Calls

A catastrophic wildfire has decimated the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, with the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous other structures confirmed destroyed. The National Park Service announced Sunday that the North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of 2025 following the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire.

The fast-moving blaze, which consumed the only lodging inside the park at the North Rim, also claimed the visitor center, gas station, a wastewater treatment plant, an administrative building, and some employee housing. Reports indicate between 50 to 80 structures have been lost. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths have been reported, as all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fire’s escalation.

Initially managed as a controlled burn, the Dragon Bravo Fire rapidly grew, forcing a shift to full suppression efforts. The burning of the wastewater treatment plant led to a chlorine gas release, prompting the evacuation of firefighters and hikers from the inner canyon due to health risks posed by the heavier-than-air gas.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed profound sadness over the destruction, emphasizing the Grand Canyon’s significance to the state and the world. She lauded firefighters for their efforts and pledged state support. Critically, Governor Hobbs has called for a comprehensive, thorough, and independent federal investigation into the management of the Dragon Bravo Fire. She highlighted concerns that the fire, sparked by lightning, was initially managed as a controlled burn during the driest, hottest part of Arizona summer, demanding answers on how such devastation was allowed to occur.

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