Wildfires Destroy Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge, Prompt Investigation

In July 2025, two wildfires—the Dragon Bravo Fire and the White Sage Fire—devastated the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge along with dozens of other structures including a visitor center, gas station, and employee housing. The fires, sparked by lightning and initially allowed to burn under a 'confine and contain' strategy, rapidly expanded due to dry conditions and strong winds, prompting a shift to aggressive suppression. The National Park Service’s management of the fire has come under scrutiny, with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs calling for a federal investigation into the decision not to attack the fire more aggressively initially. Despite the extensive destruction and closure of the North Rim for the season, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. The lodge, built in 1927 and a cherished part of the park's history, had been safely evacuated along with all employees and guests. The National Parks Conservation Association expressed readiness to support rebuilding efforts and emphasized the need for resources to protect the Grand Canyon experience from the impacts of climate change.