GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. — A wildfire that tore through a historic Grand Canyon lodge and raged out of control Monday had been allowed to burn for days before erupting over the weekend, raising scrutiny over the National Park Service’s decision not to aggressively attack the fire right away.

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.

The Dragon Bravo Fire started burning on July 4, but grew out of control a week later because of strong winds and destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge.

Millions of people visit the Grand Canyon each year. But this year will be different for one portion of the national park.