The two wildfires burning at or near the Grand Canyon’s National Park North Rim have consumed about 45,000 acres of land as of today, an area about the size of Washington, D.C. The White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior the evening of July 12, resulting in a 500-acre expansion, according to the National Parks Service. Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area.
The fires were first started by lightning on July 4 and spread rapidly due to dry, windy conditions blowing the blaze through conifer, aspen, and ponderosa pine forests. The fires are still very much active, and are incredibly difficult for firefighters to contain due to sky high temperatures in the region reaching up to 115 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued an “extreme heat warning” for the area. At this time, the fires are 0% contained and the North Rim of the national park is closed.
Thomas J. Story
The Grand Canyon Lodge first opened in 1937 and was the only hotel within the park’s North Rim boundaries. It was designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, an American architect best known for his work on national park lodges of the American West, including the preliminary designs for the breathtaking Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon.
Made of limestone and timber, the Grand Canyon Lodge was known for its sweeping views of the canyon from its dining area. It’s comprised of 23 deluxe cabins, and 91 standard cabins, some of which were moved to the north rim campground in 1940.
Thomas J. Story
This is not the first time the Grand Canyon property has been befallen by tragedy; the original structure burned down in 1932 due to a kitchen fire, and was subsequently rebuilt in 1937 using much of the original stonework. It was designated a National Historic Landmark.
It’s important to note that the North Rim will continue to be closed during this active wildfire effort. Trail closures of North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail , Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens are also in effect. For regular updates, check in with the National Parks Service website.
