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A massive wildfire has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, park officials confirmed on July 13, marking a devastating loss to both architecture and American heritage.
Two wildfires, the White Sage Fire and Dragon Bravo Fire, located about 30 miles apart north of the Grand Canyon, have burned over 45,000 acres as of Saturday, prompting evacuations and major air quality concerns across the region.
The lodge, which originally opened in 1937, was the only hotel located inside the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim. Officials report that between 50 to 80 structures were burned in the wildfire, including the lodge.
Chlorine Gas Leak and Evacuations
The fires also damaged a water treatment facility, resulting in a toxic chlorine gas leak, which forced officials to shut down Phantom Ranch and all trails leading into the canyon. Firefighting efforts were further hindered as aircraft were unable to drop fire retardant in the affected area due to the leak.
A wide evacuation zone has been declared, extending from the Utah-Arizona border down to the canyon rim. Key access points including Highway 89A and popular hiking trails like the South and North Kaibab Trails remain closed.
Legacy of the Lodge
The Grand Canyon Lodge has a storied past. Originally built in the late 1920s and rebuilt after a fire in 1932, it was reconstructed using local limestone and massive ponderosa pine beams. In 1987, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.
The National Park Service praised architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood for designing the building to harmonize with the canyon’s natural environment. It included a saloon, coffee shop, gift shop, deli, visitor center, and over 110 cabins.
Reaction from Aramark
Aramark, which operated the lodge, confirmed the loss. Spokesperson Debbie Albert said,
“We are devastated by the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous other historic buildings at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. We are grateful that all our employees and guests were safely evacuated.”
Active Fires and Firefighting Efforts
The White Sage Fire, sparked by lightning on July 9, has burned over 40,000 acres, mostly through grasslands and pinyon-juniper terrain. The Dragon Bravo Fire, which consumed the Grand Canyon Lodge, is currently at 5,000 acres.
As of July 13, neither fire has been contained. Over 500 personnel are assigned to the White Sage Fire, and 70 are working on the Dragon Bravo Fire. Intense heat, wind, and dry conditions continue to hinder suppression efforts.
