Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Ravaged by Wildfire: What You Need to Know

A historic lodge at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim has been lost to a wildfire, park officials announced. The Grand Canyon Lodge, the only place to stay in the park’s North Rim, was destroyed along with several other structures. Park Superintendent Ed Keable informed attendees that around 50 to 80 buildings were affected, including the visitor center and an employee housing area.

Currently, two wildfires are active near the North Rim: the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire. The Dragon Bravo Fire was initially a controlled burn but escalated to 7.8 square miles due to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.

The White Sage Fire has doubled in size, now covering approximately 40,000 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries.

Millions of visitors flock to the Grand Canyon each year, especially to the more accessible South Rim. The North Rim, which operates seasonally, was evacuated last Thursday due to the fires.

Firefighters and hikers were evacuated over the weekend. Additionally, there was a risk of chlorine gas release after a treatment plant caught fire, which can cause breathing problems and irritation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Grand Canyon Lodge was often the first sight for visitors, featuring a unique design with a sloped roof and large timber beams. It offered stunning views of the canyon from the “Sun Room” lobby.

While progress has been made on combating the second wildfire, fire officials noted the terrain’s challenges. The White Sage Fire is moving rapidly toward the Vermilion Cliffs, with crews working to create buffer zones to slow its advance.

Public sentiment on social media reflects deep concern for the loss of this iconic lodge and the ongoing danger from wildfires. As wildfires become more common, understanding their causes and effects is essential. Experts suggest that climate change and land management policies play significant roles in the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires across the country.

For the latest updates on fire incidents and safety information, you can visit InciWeb.

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