Stories and Hope after the Dragon Bravo Fire
When the Dragon Bravo Fire swept through the North Rim, it didn’t just burn trees and structures—it upended lives.
Park employees, seasonal workers, and guides who lived and worked at the Grand Canyon Lodge were forced to evacuate with little or no warning. Many left with only what they could carry. Some lost everything.
These aren’t just names on a roster. They’re cooks, rangers, housekeepers, maintenance staff, and interpretive guides—the people who quietly make the North Rim experience possible for countless visitors. They’ve dedicated their seasons, and in many cases, their lives, to caring for this iconic place and welcoming others into its beauty. Now they’re left displaced, uncertain, and asking, “What’s next?”
In reaching out to us, here is what some have had to say:
“First season with Aramark and 3rd at grand canyon. We all left within an hours notice and left things behind.” -R.D.
“I was living and working at the north rim lodge as a porter. I evacuated with the other employees and left personal possessions there. I don’t really have stable housing or a permanent residence and was unable to get my camping gear which I rely on for shelter. We are currently being housed at the Waweep Marina but I will be relying on purchasing camping gear soon unless I find housing.” -K.H.
“Rushed evacuation, no time to pack up all personal belongings.
Just grabbed necessities.” -J.M.
“I’ve been working at Grand Canyon North Rim with Aramark since May 1st as a cook in the EDR and Lodge and stayed the duration until we got the evacuation to get a bag and get out… Thank God we it made out. Blessings to all my coworkers. It has been a pleasure and a blessing to work with you, and most importantly mother nature at Grand Canyon North Rim you were everything and so much more. I’m so blessed and grateful to have experienced everything you have. I’m truly blessed and highly favored. I appreciate you.” -E.G.
The North Rim Fire Relief Fund exists to help meet those needs—providing support to those who have been impacted most severely. Funds raised go toward real people and real recovery.
If you love the North Rim and have a memory, story, or reflection to share about your time at the Grand Canyon North Rim or with its incredible staff, please leave a comment below. Your words are more than encouragement—they’re a reminder that this place and its people matter.
Let’s come together to support those who’ve given so much of themselves to this extraordinary place.
North Rim Strong. Always.
On our recent and first visit, every staff member we encountered was helpful, patient and efficient. We enjoyed dinner in the dining room on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 6:30pm. We were served by several staff (who kept our water filled, our food and wine delivered promptly). Our meal was delightful even though we were far away from the gorgeous windows. I recently rated our experience on Google because it was memorable and quite enjoyable. We made the travel plans just a month before when we found a western rim view cabin available (310). The weather was rainy in our short 18 hour stay but we were afforded beautiful views and rainbows. It was so chilly after being at Zion the day before. We purchased souvenirs from both the visitor center and gift shop. I will treasure my North Rim mug even more so now. Before leaving we had a delightful conversation with the gentleman at the Post Office where we posted 2 cards to family. We knew this was a special place and we were so thrilled to be able to visit.
We visited the north rim for the first time just last October on the last couple days before they shut down all the campgrounds and buildings for winter. It’s was really nice and very uncrowded and we were able to walk into the north rim lodge and get a table for breakfast after a frosty night of camping without much wait or no reservation. Everyone we encountered was great from the campground host to the folks working the gift shops and the restaurant. As people who’ve worked in hospitality and tourism for most our lives we know how the end of the season can sometimes bring out some bad attitudes from some people as they are tired from long season and ready for a break and they’re about to have to upend their lives and move on to the next seasonal job. But the folks there seemed as pleasant and helpful as they could possibly be. I can’t imagine how the fire has upended their lives in ways that make moving from one seasonal job to another seem like nothing.
My husband, son and I had the pleasure of staying at the lodge July 6-8. We enjoyed every meal at the restaurant, as well as cheery conversation with every server we had. We are sending all our best to Amanda and her boyfriend. We hope you were able to recover your RV okay. To our lovely server from Texas, we hope you are also okay. We got to all the points of interest that you suggested. To Shelby, thanks for finding me gluten-free toast. To all the amazing housekeeping staff, thanks for the extra pillows and blankets when we were cold. Ranger Doug, my son especially hopes you are okay. We loved your nature talk, as well as sing-a-long. We will cherish the cardboard guitar photos. To the visitor center, gift shop, lobby, deli, and coffee shop staff, thanks for being so wonderful. Everyone we encountered was simply fabulous, and we were making plans for our return sooner than later on the drive home. We were all gutted to see the sad news on Monday, as you and this magical place left a mark on our hearts. We hope you all rise from the ashes so our paths can cross again at the North Rim. Take care and so many thanks.
We had just come home from there. I fell in love with everything and didn’t want to leave. We met Kyle who got us to our cabin with the heavy yeti coolers and bags. He also hauled us back out. He was so friendly and his help was greatly appreciated. Our cabin was tiny and perfect. First view of the lodge from in back on the trail I was blown away. I took more pictures than I usually do. My pictures look like they were done in watercolors. There were people there in every chair every night, but it was like you were by yourself. Everyone was wrapped up in their thoughts, visiting or eating their supper. It was so peaceful. We ate at the lodge every night. The lady who seated us was so sweet. She talked about how even working there for a few years like she had she was still in awe of the view of the canyon she got to see every night she worked. Every night we had a different window to see the canyon and the sunsets while we ate. Those huge windows wow what a view they provided!. For my birthday we had prime rib special for dinner. Our server that night was so nice. He gave my husband a discount on our meal because my husband was a volunteer firefighter. He even stopped to visit with us a couple nights later when we were at another servers table. The service was top-notch.The people preparing the food did a marvelous job. It was so good every night and every night I tried something different. One night I had ordered the dumplings and it only had three in it. The person who brought out my food went and personally scooped me out more dumplings because they could see I didn’t have any. They and my server made sure my dinner was perfect. I’ve never had service like that in a long time. I also liked the people that cleaned the cabins. We asked for their help a couple times from trash bags to coffee pod refills . They then took our recycling and our trash so we didn’t have to mess with it.They worked hard every day getting those cabins ready for the next people. Our cabin was very clean and nice. We were out driving around when we saw the fire. The next morning, a lady with the park service said they were gonna let it creep like a prescribed burn. We had a bad feeling that day hearing that, but it stayed at the distance and we finished out our vacation. It was one of the most perfect vacations we have ever had. I have been heartbroken to hear about the loss of the lodge and the cabins. I worried about all the people who have lost their jobs because of this. They have been in my prayers. Everyone my husband and I had dealings with were just the nicest people. I can’t stress that enough. When I see the Adirondack chairs and Brighty survived the fire, the rock walls still standing I hope that everything could be rebuilt quickly. My prayer is it comes back and more memories will be made in the future..
I am so happy learn that most of Brighty survived. The Henry story and knowledge of the statue is what drew me first to the North Rim in 1983.