The fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon started from a lightning strike but was managed as a controlled burn until it spread.

The destruction caused by this fire is a reminder of how vulnerable our national parks and residents nearby are to the impacts of a changing climate. NPCA stands ready to support efforts to rebuild and restore what’s been lost and ensure the National Park Service has the resources it needs to protect the Grand Canyon experience for the millions of visitors who travel there each year.

What fueled the explosive growth of the Dragon Bravo Fire was a mix of gusty winds, dry air and above-normal heat – weather conditions experts described as atypical for this time of year, when monsoonal moisture typically tamps down wildfire risk across Arizona.

She was written out of Grand Canyon history, but fires are putting her iconic buildings at risk. Meet Mary Colter, the architect you've never heard of.

"Though it was definitely not your average vacation trip, everything worked out okay. We made the best of it," Russ Christian said.

The Grand Canyon Lodge was the park's one and only hotel, according the National Park Service, with the next nearest lodgings roughly 18 miles away.

The Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and continues to burn in northern Arizona. See photos of the devastation.

A Grand Canyon water treatment facility located at the North Rim caught fire on Saturday, causing chlorine gas to be released into the air. Multiple closures are being enforced due to the incident.