US EditionNational Park Service defends the handling of lightning-sparked blaze that destroyed historic lodge
NORTH RIM OF GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA, JUL 16 – The Dragon Bravo Fire burned over 9,200 acres, destroying more than 70 structures including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, forcing the North Rim closure for the entire 2025 season.
- On July 4, 2025, lightning ignited the Dragon Bravo Fire, which destroyed the Grand Canyon's historic lodge along with more than 80 nearby buildings near the North Rim.
- The fire was initially managed to allow natural fire processes that help with forest health, but on July 11, unexpected strong northwest winds pushed the flames toward park structures, prompting a shift to an aggressive full suppression approach.
- Park officials successfully evacuated all visitors and staff unharmed, have shut down access to the North Rim for the duration of the 2025 season, and cautioned that the South Rim continues to experience very high fire danger with ongoing restrictions in place.
- Spokesperson Stefan La-Sky highlighted the extremely low moisture levels in trees, describing the forest as extremely dry and highly susceptible to fire, while Governor Katie Hobbs has called for an inquiry into the management of the wildfire.
- The loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge signals a significant cultural and operational impact, raising questions about rebuilding amid worsening wildfire seasons and environmental challenges.
76 Articles
76 Articles
Dragon Bravo fire burns down Grand Canyon Lodge; firefighting efforts complicated by chlorine gas from damaged water treatment facility
On July 4, 2025, a lightning strike ignited a tree in the Grand Canyon National Park; the fire was reported, and crews were on scene preparing for a controlled burn protocol within the day. Multiple reports from fire management teams responding to the fire stated the intent to allow Dragon Bravo as a controlled burn, to remove overgrowth and reduce fuel presence in an already fire-adapted biome.Images via National Park Service and InciWeb.Howev…
Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Destroyed By Wildfire - Videos from The Weather Channel
A wildfire has destroyed a historic lodge at the Grand Canyon. The Dragon Bravo Fire was ignited on July Fourth when lightning struck the area. Over the last week, the fire has grown as a result of high temperatures, low humidity and strong wind gusts. The section of the park has been closed for the season. - Videos from The Weather Channel
The Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Just Burned Down. Again.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, a crown jewel of America’s national park system and the North Rim’s only in-park lodging, has burned to the ground. Again. This time, it was the Dragon Bravo Wildfire, an “extreme and volatile” fire sparked by a July 4th lightning strike. Gone are the lodge’s 114 cabins and dozens of visitor facilities. Fire crews were able to evacuate everyone without harm, but the destruction is extensive. Park officials have closed the…
Grand Canyon fire that was left to burn swells 50% after destroying historic lodge - West Hawaii Today
A wildfire in tinder-dry forest on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon grew around 50% on Tuesday after it destroyed dozens of buildings, prompting public outrage that it was left to burn for a week before firefighters tried to fully extinguish it.
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