A fast-moving wildfire on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures, forcing the area to close for the season.

Sparked by lightning on July 4, the Dragon Bravo Fire grew rapidly due to hot, dry, windy conditions.

About 50–80 buildings were lost, including the visitor center and employee housing, the Associated Press has reported.

No injuries were reported, but visitors and staff were evacuated, with warnings about possible chlorine gas exposure after the wastewater plant burned.

Written by B.C. Begley