Lightning-Sparked Blazes Burn Tens of Thousands of Acres

Two fast-moving wildfires have engulfed over 45,000 acres in and around the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, forcing mass evacuations, destroying dozens of buildings, and closing the park’s popular northern section for the remainder of the season.

The Dragon Bravo Fire, ignited by lightning on July 4, has now consumed over 5,000 acres. Among the losses: the iconic North Rim Lodge, the only lodging facility within the North Rim, along with up to 80 other structures. The fire tore through control lines over the weekend as gusty winds and low humidity intensified conditions.

Park officials confirmed the destruction of critical infrastructure, including the visitor center, gas station, wastewater treatment plant, administrative buildings, and employee housing. Many of the lodge's historic cabins also fell victim to the flames.