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8h ago

Uncontained North Rim Fires Destroy Grand Canyon Lodge, Threaten Remaining Cabins

Governor Katie Hobbs has demanded a federal probe into the Park Service’s fire-management decisions following the uncontained North Rim blazes.

Image
This undated photo provided by the National Park Service shows the historic Grand Canyon Lodge's front entrance with a sloped roof, huge ponderosa beams and massive limestone facade, on the North Rim of Grand Canyon, in northern Arizona on July 14, 2025.
Ranger Doug (left) and the lyrics to his “Free Fallin’” parody called “(Don’t Be) Free Fallin.’”
In 1950, my father, DeRay Hugh, was hired to work at the North Rim Lodge that summer. He had just turned 16. He worked as a bus driver, kitchen help and whatever other jobs needed. Over the summer, he took many photos of his friends, staff members, guests, the Lodge, cabins, workers quarters, and surrounding area.

Overview

  • The Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires have burned more than 90 square miles of the park’s North Rim with zero containment.
  • Lightning ignited the Dragon Bravo Fire on July 4, and officials initially let it burn under an ecological management strategy.
  • The nearly century-old Grand Canyon Lodge and adjacent visitor center lay in ruins, prompting crews to focus on defending remaining cabins and mule stables.
  • Park Service officials have closed North Rim access and evacuated hikers and river rafters, with no reported injuries.
  • Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the Park Service’s fire-management decisions, intensifying scrutiny of its suppression strategy.