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.

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.

All wood-burning and charcoal fires, such as campfires and charcoal barbecues, are prohibited. In addition, visitors and residents can only use liquid petroleum appliances like stoves, lanterns or heating devices in an empty area or one that doesn’t have flammable materials within three feet.

The Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona has destroyed dozens of structures and a water treatment facility on the Grand Canyon's North Rim.

PHOENIX — Residents on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon have been ordered to evacuate due to a fire in Grand Canyon National Park. The fire, named the Dragon Bravo Fire, is approximately 5,716 acres and has 0% containment. It was caused by lightning on July 4, officials with the National Park Service said.

A new report has calculated that making national parks the responsibility of states would raise costs, cut revenue and reduce access for Arizonans.

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.

The National Park Service is pushing back against members of Congress who accused the agency of allowing the Dragon Bravo Fire to spin out of control on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.

A wildfire in tinder-dry forest destroyed dozens of buildings, prompting public outrage that it was left to burn for a week before firefighters tried to fully extinguish it.

The historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim was destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire, which officials say has consumed between 50 to 80 structures.

The lightning-sparked South Rim fire in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has burned 3,556 acres with no containment and mandatory evacuations remain in place.