A wildfire raging on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim has intensified over a week after its initial outbreak, prompting increased firefighting efforts. The blaze has already destroyed significant structures, including a historic lodge and the visitor center.
Due to the severity of the fire, park officials have announced the closure of the North Rim for the remainder of the year. The North Rim is a more secluded part of the Grand Canyon, attracting approximately 10% of the park’s overall annual visitors.
According to park superintendent Ed Keable, the Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodging available within the park’s North Rim, was destroyed by the fire. Cabins, employee housing, and a wastewater treatment plant were also lost.
Aerial views revealed thick plumes of black smoke rising above the canyon’s edge.
Firefighters stationed at the North Rim, as well as hikers in the inner canyon, were evacuated as a safety precaution due to the fire’s proximity and concerns about potential exposure to chlorine gas resulting from the destruction of the treatment plant.
Rafters navigating the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon were instructed to avoid Phantom Ranch, a collection of cabins and dormitories located at the canyon’s base.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is calling for a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s initial strategy of not aggressively suppressing the fire, which was ignited by lightning on July 4th.
Initially, authorities adopted a “confine and contain” approach, focusing on removing fuel sources. However, they transitioned to aggressive suppression tactics a week later when the fire rapidly expanded to 7.8 square miles due to high temperatures, low humidity, and powerful wind gusts, as stated by fire officials.
“Arizonans deserve answers for how this fire was allowed to decimate the Grand Canyon National Park,” the governor stated in a social media post.
While no injuries have been reported, the park superintendent confirmed that an estimated 50 to 80 structures have been destroyed.
