Arizona (US), Jul 15 (AP) – A recent wildfire that swept through the Grand Canyon's historic lodge on the North Rim has sparked controversy over the National Park Service's handling of the blaze. The fire, which raged out of control on Monday, had been allowed to burn for several days before it escalated over the weekend.
The fire quickly spread with no containment, threatening the isolated North Rim area, which is less frequented by visitors. No injuries have been reported, but the destruction includes over 70 structures, such as a visitor center and several cabins.
Initially, the fire didn't seem alarming when it was ignited by a lightning strike on July 4. Four days later, the Park Service allowed the fire to burn for perceived ecological benefits while closely monitoring it. They assured the public, saying, "There are no threats to infrastructure or public safety at this time," through a post on Facebook.
However, by Friday, the fire had grown nearly eightfold within a day to over 1.4 square miles (3.6 square kilometers), prompting warnings for immediate evacuation.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called for a federal investigation, criticizing the decision to manage the fire as a controlled burn during Arizona's hottest and driest season. Her spokesperson, Christian Slater, noted that she plans to meet with US Forest Service and Department of the Interior leadership to discuss wildfire management decisions.
The initial strategy was to "confine and contain," but it shifted to aggressive suppression due to rapidly worsening conditions, including rising temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.
The Associated Press attempted to contact a Park Service spokesperson for comments about the fire management strategy.
Destruction of a Historic Lodge
The Grand Canyon Lodge, an iconic property inside the park's North Rim and known for its spectacular views, was among the structures destroyed, alongside employee housing and a wastewater treatment plant. Consequently, park officials have closed the less popular North Rim for the remainder of the year. This area accounts for only 10% of the Grand Canyon's annual visitors.
Visitors, hikers, and Colorado River rafters were evacuated, and access to the popular Phantom Ranch was restricted. From the South Rim, visitors captured photos of smoke veiling the canyon.
The wildfire intensified Saturday night, fueled by high winds. Firefighters aimed to use aerial fire retardant drops but had to retreat due to a chlorine gas leak from the water treatment plant. Concerns over the heavier-than-air gas sinking into the canyon prompted further evacuations.
US Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego have inquired about wildfire decision-making under a new executive order aimed at consolidating federal firefighting resources.
An Ongoing Fire Season in the Western US
Across the Western US, about three dozen fires are burning without containment, with another 80 fires being monitored to clear vegetation. Nearly 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) have burned this year, slightly below the ten-year average. In Colorado, a significant wildfire has closed Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, requiring evacuations.
On the Grand Canyon's North Rim, the Dragon Bravo Fire has expanded to nearly 9 square miles (23 square kilometers), while the White Sage Fire has engulfed 77 square miles (199 square kilometers) of terrain with zero containment.
These incidents follow the Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, which, three years ago, was ignited by errant prescribed burns and scorched over 530 square miles (1,373 square kilometers), destroying numerous homes.
History of the Grand Canyon Lodge
The Grand Canyon Lodge, famous for its ponderosa beams and limestone facade, was perched on the North Rim, providing breathtaking vistas of the canyon. Erik Ammerlann, a former Arizona resident, reminisced about the lodge as a place where one connects with nature. Caren Carney, who evacuated last week with her family, expressed sadness over the loss, cherishing the "magical place."
Aramark, the company managing the lodge, confirmed the safe evacuation of all employees and guests.
The original lodge, which opened in 1928, was rebuilt after a kitchen fire in 1932. The new lodge was designed using the original stonework and opened in 1937, according to the Grand Canyon Historical Society. (AP) SKS NSA NSA
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