The historic lodge was engulfed by the fire. Photo: Grand Canyon//Reddit
A wildfire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has destroyed more than 70 structures, including a historic lodge and a water treatment facility that caused a chlorine gas leak.
As of July 14, the blaze had consumed 5,716 acres and is zero percent contained. Park authorities announced that the North Rim of the canyon will be closed for the rest of the summer season and popular inner canyon trails are temporarily closed, including the North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, portions of the Bright Angel Trail, and all backcountry routes and canyoneering routes stemming from these trails.
The chlorine gas leak was reported on July 12, forcing firefighters to evacuate from nearby zones and preventing fire retardant air drops. Park authorities evacuated hikers and roped off sections of the canyon because chlorine is heavier than air and can settle into low-lying areas. Rafting trips were told they could pass through the area at their own risk, but were not allowed to make the typical stop at Phantom Ranch.
According to the Grand Canyon Office of Communications, the chlorine gas leak “does not pose a critical threat to nearby communities.” However, they note that residents in Marble Canyon, Lees Ferry, and parts of Navajo Nation may smell the gas soon. Chlorine is a yellow-green gas that smells like bleach, and high levels of exposure can lead to blurred vision, burning of the nose, lungs, throat, and eyes, respiratory problems, nausea, and skin pain, among other symptoms.
The blaze, known as the Dragon Bravo Fire, was ignited on July 4 by a lightning strike. Fire crews first used a “confine and contain” approach; however, when high temperatures, relatively low humidity, and strong wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour caused the fire to grow rapidly, they employed more aggressive tactics.
The historic Grand Canyon Lodge was among the more than 70 structures engulfed in flames. Built in 1937 after the original lodge burned down in 1932, it was the only lodging within the park boundaries on the North Rim. The national park’s administrative buildings and visitor center were also destroyed.
In its statement, Grand Canyon said the primary objectives in fighting the blaze are “protecting the lives and safety of firefighting personnel and the public, preserving the remaining structures on the North Rim, and safeguarding cultural and natural resources within the park.”
As the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to grow, a separate fire is also rapidly increasing in Arizona, just 40 miles to the north. The White Sage Fire doubled in size on Sunday, engulfing nearly 50,000 acres, and is also zero percent contained.
