The National Park Service is defending its handling of a lightning-sparked wildfire that destroyed the nearly century-old Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of historic cabins, saying containment lines had been built around the blaze and crews were prepared to conduct defensive firing operations.

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

With wildfires raging through Northern Arizona and devastating the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, businesses relying on tourist revenue have taken a hit. Canyon Trail Rides, which organizes mule rides through the canyon,