A wildfire that tore through a historic Grand Canyon Lodge​ had been allowed to burn for days before erupting over the weekend, raising questions about federal officials' decision not to aggressively attack it right away.

Drought, a warming climate and decades of firefighting policies that suppressed natural fires have turned many grasslands and forests across the West into tinderboxes.

But for Frisco, it was the stay at Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim’s near century-old accommodation, that made the biggest impression. She could already see herself returning someday to the sprawling property,

With the Grand Canyon Lodge lost to the wildfire, lodging options on the North Rim are less clear. Farther up Grand Canyon Highway is Kaibab Lodge, which has become a temporary base for firefighters and hasn’t yet been hit by the fires, owner Larry Innes said in an interview with a local CBS affiliate.

The Dragon Bravo Fire engulfed the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, destroying the landmark building and dozens of structures while firefighters battle a second blaze north of the canyon.

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