Grand Canyon Fire Destroys Lodge, Spurs Probe Demand

The Dragon Bravo wildfire, sparked by lightning on July 4, has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other buildings on the North Rim, leading to the closure of the North Rim for the rest of the season. The fire has burned thousands of acres and was exacerbated by strong winds and the nearby White Sage Fire, further devastating park infrastructure. A chlorine gas leak from a damaged water treatment facility complicated firefighting efforts, but no fatalities have occurred due to prompt evacuations. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has sharply criticized the federal government's initial decision to manage the fire as a controlled burn during extreme drought and is demanding an independent investigation into the emergency response. The incident has reignited debate about fire management in national parks, drawing comparisons to past controversial strategies. The closure and destruction represent a significant loss to tourism and heritage at the Grand Canyon.