
URGENT UPDATE: A devastating wildfire has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, a key accommodation in the Grand Canyon National Park, as the White Sage Fire rapidly expanded since it ignited on July 9, 2025. The fire has burned through tens of thousands of acres, fueled by extreme heat, strong winds, and dry conditions.
The North Rim of the park, a less-frequented area requiring a strenuous four-hour drive or hike to access, has been heavily impacted. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far. However, the loss of the lodge, which has served adventurous hikers for nearly a century, marks a significant blow to the park’s heritage.
The National Park Service (NPS) reported that the Grand Canyon Lodge, designed in 1927 and built from local Ponderosa pine trees, was engulfed in flames within hours. In addition to the lodge, multiple nearby structures, including a gas station, wastewater treatment plant, and over 50 guest and employee cabins, were also destroyed.
Firefighters have faced dangerous conditions in their efforts to contain the fire. “Aerial bucket drops were conducted to slow fire movement near the Grand Canyon Lodge, but the use of aerial retardant was not feasible due to a chlorine gas leak at the water treatment facility,” the NPS stated.
Former NPS chief historian Robert K. Sutton called the loss “immeasurable,” emphasizing the lodge’s importance for those undertaking the challenging 20-mile hike in the canyon. “It’s tragic, it really is,” Sutton shared in a statement.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her sorrow as well, stating, “I am incredibly saddened by the destruction of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and my heart goes out to every person impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.”
The lodge, which had previously burned down in 1936 and was rebuilt by 1937 using salvaged materials, was the only lodging available in the North Rim, with camping as the only alternative. The impact of this loss resonates deeply within both the local community and the thousands of visitors who cherish the park each year.
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, authorities urge visitors to stay away from the affected areas. The situation remains dynamic, and updates are forthcoming. For those who wish to help, local organizations are mobilizing to provide support for affected employees and families.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we monitor the situation closely.