The Grand Canyon Lodge in far northern Arizona that was an elusive getaway for nearly a century has been destroyed by a wildfire.

A historic lodge and dozens of other structures on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim have been destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire, prompting officials to close access to the area.

A wildfire has destroyed a historic lodge and dozens of other structures on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, raising questions over the National Park Service's decision not to aggressively fight the fire straight away.