Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim was destroyed as wildfires burning north of the Grand Canyon wrecked havoc on historic officials confirmed on Sunday to USA Today. The wildfires inn the area have also prompted large-scale evacuations, raising the concerns of air wuality and forcing closures of the par.
Grand Canyon Wildfires: Fires Burn More Than 45,000 Acres
Two wildfires are currently active about 30 miles apart to the north of the Grand Canyon, acording to state and federal fire officials, while the fires had already grown to over 45,000 acres by July 13.
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One of the fires, called the Dragon Bravo Fire, displayed what park officials described as “extreme and volatile fire behavior” on the evening of July 12. That fire expanded by 500 acres overnight, according to a statement posted by Grand Canyon National Park officials on July 13.
“Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area,” park officials said.
About the History of the Grand Canyon Lodge
The Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim first opened in 1937 and was the only hotel located inside the national park at the North Rim.
The original lodge was built in part for the Union Pacific Railroad that was destroyed inn 1932 fire. After that fire, the railroad quickly established a cafeteria and recreation hall to continue serving visitors, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
The new lodge was constructed on the same foundation as the original while using many of the materils used in the earlier one. However, the new design was scaled back. The second story of the lodge was removed in addition to the removal of observation tower that were part of the earlier structure. The lodge followed the design philosophy of architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who built according to National Park Service guidelines requiring that buildings reflect their natural environment.
In 1987, the Grand Canyon Lodge was designated a National Historic Landmark, according to the NPS.
Up to 80 Structures Destroyed in Grand Canyon Wildfires
Preliminary assessments show that between 50 to 80 structures have been destroyed in the fires so far. This includes not only the Grand Canyon Lodge but also National Park Service administrative buildings and visitor facilities, park officials told USA Today.
Despite the destruction, park service officials confirmed that there have been no injuries or fatalities associated with the fires. All staff and residents were successfully evacuated before the fire intensified.
Grand Canyon Lodge Closed
Several parts of the Grand Canyon are now closed to visitors, officials said includinng the inner canyon, Phantom Ranch, and all trails leading to the inner parts of the lodge.
The closure of the canyon was prompted in part by damage to a water treatment facility on the North Rim. The water treament facility was impacted by the fire and began leaking chlorine ga which is toxic and heavier than air, officials warned that it could settle into the lower parts of the canyon, creating additional safety hazards.
The gas leak has also complicated firefighting efforts, according to park officials, as the leak prevented fire retardant from being dropped in certain areas and forced firefighting personnel to evacuate for safety.
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Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
