GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK – Difficult news from Grand Canyon National Park — the Grand Canyon Lodge and many historic cabins have been destroyed by a wildfire on the North Rim of the canyon, with a total of up to 80 structures lost, according to the National Park Service.
The Dragon Bravo fire suddenly grew rapidly after starting on July 4. At about 10:30 p.m. on July 12, 2025, it “exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior,” said the NPS. Sustained winds of 20 mph with gusts of 40 mph fueled the flames.
Firefighters did their best to protect the Grand Canyon Lodge, including aerial bucket drops, but aerial retardant could not be used because of a chlorine gas leak at the water treatment facility. That leak also required the evacuation of firefighters in the area.
500 visitors and all residents were evacuated from the North Rim of the Arizona national park. No injuries have been reported.
“With continued active fire behavior and ongoing risks to personnel and infrastructure, the North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of the 2025 season,” said the NPS.
Several major trails are also closed, including:
North Kaibab Trail
South Kaibab Trail
Phantom Ranch
Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens
The Dragon Bravo fire is believed to been caused by lightning, along with a separate fire, called the White Sage fire, which is burning farther to the north.
The North Rim is less visited than the very popular South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but the smoke is visible from the South Rim and air quality conditions could deteriorate, based on the wind patterns.
Click here to read the news release from the National Park Service.
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