A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim—the only lodging within that section of the park—has been destroyed by a rapidly advancing wildfire, park officials announced on July 13, according to ABC News.
The Grand Canyon Lodge was among several structures consumed, including the visitor center, a gas station, and some employee housing. Officials said the Bravo Dragon Fire, initially managed as a controlled burn, suddenly intensified, prompting a shift to full suppression efforts.
Two separate fires—the White Sage and Bravo Dragon—are currently active in the area. The North Rim, which is only open seasonally, had already been evacuated on July 10 as a precaution. Authorities continue to monitor fire activity closely as damage assessments unfold.
The ecological toll of fire can be devastating, yet surprisingly complex. While wildfires may destroy human structures, they can also spark renewal in nature. Click through this gallery to discover how fire shapes ecosystems—and how nature rises from the ashes.