National Park Service officials say there was no way to predict the Dragon Bravo Fire would turn into an inferno, jump containment lines and rip through the Grand Canyon's North Rim, leaving a historic lodge and 100 other structures in smoking ruin.

Water infrastructure is not merely collateral damage during wildfires—it is now a central concern.

Park officials say conditions have improved and new air quality monitors have been installed at popular hiking locations, such as Phantom Ranch and Havasupai Gardens.