A fast-moving wildfire destroyed a historic lodge and dozens of other structures on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, forcing officials to close access to that area for the season, the park said Sunday.

The North Rim will be closed through the rest of the 2025 season, at least. That is a blow to small businesses around the Grand Canyon that rely on tourists in the summer. “It’s a lot to be trying to comprehend and to figure out what to do,” said Rich.

A fast-moving wildfire near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures, triggered a chlorine gas leak, and forced widespread evacuations.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a popular outdoor destination in western Colorado, was closed to the public after a wildfire on the South Rim rapidly doubled in size.

Winds are expected to pick up through the week as the White Sage Fire and Dragon Bravo Fire burn in northern Arizona. Ian has the firefighting forecast.