Wildfires Devastate Northern Arizona, Impacting Local Tourism
As fierce wildfires sweep through Northern Arizona, the economic lifeline of Grand Canyon National Park—tourism—faces severe disruptions. Over 100 structures have been razed, significantly affecting businesses that rely on the influx of visitors.
Canyon Trail Rides, a company known for its mule rides through the Grand Canyon, has faced substantial losses, refunding about $100,000 in prepaid reservations. The historic Grand Canyon Lodge, where their reservation desk was located, was reduced to ashes on July 12 due to the Dragon Bravo Fire.
Normally bustling with tourists from mid-May to mid-October, the North Rim’s season ended prematurely. Key facilities, including the lodge and park staff housing, have been destroyed or damaged.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, ignited by lightning on July 4, has burned more than 11,000 acres, as reported by the National Interagency Fire Center. Crystal Mortensen of Canyon Trail Rides, which also operates in Utah’s Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, remarked, “That’s almost 90 days of reservations from July 12 through Oct. 15.”
Mortensen expressed concern over their employees, stating, “We had about 12 to 14 employees. We have tried to relocate and move a good portion of those to the other parks—to Bryce and to Zion—but there are some that we weren’t able to keep on.”
Officials have closed the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as the White Sage Fire burns near the town of Fredonia. Just 35 miles south, the Dragon Bravo Fire has destroyed structures inside the park.
Fortunately, all 53 mules from the North Rim are safe. Staff opened their gates on July 11 and retrieved them two days later. “They are our biggest asset. We are very attached to them,” said Mortensen, noting relief that the mules remained near their barn.
Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., highlighted the significance of the tourism sector, referring to it as the “economic bloodline” of the region. He emphasized the need for financial aid for affected homeowners and businesses. The North Rim is set to remain closed for the rest of the 2025 season, though the South Rim stays open.
Gallego stated, “For these small businesses, and when they no longer have the tourism that goes there or the infrastructure around it, they’re going to lose business.”
Fire crews, aided by more favorable weather, are working tirelessly to protect structures from the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim and the White Sage Fire on the Kaibab Plateau. The Bureau of Land Management reported that the White Sage Fire has charred over 58,600 acres and is only 9% contained, while the Dragon Bravo Fire remains uncontained, per the National Park Service.
Xanterra, a key player in park and resort management, is assisting in relocating guests and tourism partners from the North Rim. They have temporarily halted mule rides from the South Rim. Andrew Heltzel, Xanterra’s chief commercial officer, remarked, “The main thing that we’re hearing is just how sad and unfortunate of a loss it is of these legacy buildings.”
The Grand Canyon Lodge, a historic structure rebuilt in the 1930s, was a cherished site for many. “We will definitely help however we can but I think that step number one—really what everyone is focused on—is getting the fire out right now,” said Heltzel.
For further updates from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
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