Grand Canyon Wildfire Destroys Lodge, Sparks Federal Probe

A lightning-sparked wildfire at Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim was initially allowed to burn for days as part of a controlled burn strategy aimed at benefiting the ecosystem and reducing future fire risks. The fire, which started on July 4, later grew rapidly due to hot, dry conditions and strong winds, ultimately destroying over 70 buildings including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service's decision to manage the fire as a controlled burn during the peak of Arizona's hottest and driest period. Officials initially used a 'confine and contain' approach but shifted to aggressive suppression only after the fire expanded dramatically. The incident has sparked criticism and concern about balancing fire as a land management tool with public safety and infrastructure protection. Experts emphasize the importance of controlled burns in creating more resilient forests, but the recent fire highlights the challenges of managing such strategies amid worsening climate conditions.