A wildfire has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, which was already rebuilt once after a fire in 1932. The blaze, part of the Dragon Bravo Wildfire, has caused significant damage to structures including the lodge, cabins, and visitor facilities, with no injuries reported. The lodge, a beloved historic landmark and the only hotel on the North Rim, was originally built in 1928, burned down in 1932, and rebuilt in 1937. The future of the lodge remains uncertain, but there is hope it will be rebuilt again.
Timberline Lodge and the ski area are closed following a fire that started in the attic on the north side of the historic lodge. The fire has been extinguished, and the extent of the damage is being assessed. Investigators are looking into the possibility that embers from the lodge’s main chimney sparked the blaze. All guests and staff escaped the fire, and there are no known injuries. The lodge, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1937 and attracts nearly 2 million visitors a year.
A three-alarm fire broke out in the attic of the historic Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, prompting its evacuation, but fire officials reported that crews had it knocked down 90 minutes after the initial reports. No injuries were reported, and crews from multiple fire departments were on the scene to help protect the lodge. The iconic National Historic Landmark, built in the 1930s, was successfully preserved, and everyone made it outside safely.
Michigan Central Station, a historic landmark in Detroit, is set to reopen on June 6, more than 30 years after its closure. The 15-story train station, purchased by Ford Motor Co. in 2018, will become the centerpiece of a new Detroit mobility campus. The reopening is highly anticipated, with details of opening festivities yet to be revealed as organizers plan for a large crowd.
The historic Lutsen Lodge on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Lutsen, Minn., was destroyed by an early morning fire, leaving the landmark in ashes. No guests were present at the time, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and insurance adjusters are assessing damages. The owners have vowed to rebuild the lodge, which has been a popular destination for visitors for nearly 140 years.
The Italian city of Bologna is preparing for the potential collapse of the leaning Tower of Garisenda, one of its iconic landmarks. The tower, which has been leaning since the 14th century, is currently at an angle of 4 degrees. In October, the area surrounding the tower was fenced off for public safety, and a structure was built to protect nearby buildings in case of collapse. Experts have expressed concerns about the tower's integrity since 2022, but there is no consensus on when it will collapse.
The Biltmore House in North Carolina will be featured in the Hallmark Channel's "A Biltmore Christmas," a movie set in the historic landmark. The story follows a screenwriter who is transported back in time to 1947 while seeking inspiration at the Biltmore House. Filming took place in various locations across the estate, and the movie is the first to spotlight the Biltmore itself. The Biltmore House is a National Historic Landmark and America's Largest Home, known for its grandeur and extensive history. "A Biltmore Christmas" premieres on November 26th.
A fire has destroyed a wooden blimp hangar in Tustin, California, that played a significant role during World War II. The hangar, one of the largest wooden structures built in the 20th century, was unable to be saved despite efforts from over 70 firefighters and aerial support. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The hangar had recently been the focus of preservation efforts, as it held historical significance and was designated a National Landmark.
Two German tourists, part of a group of 11 students staying in an Airbnb in Florence, have been arrested for allegedly spraying soccer-related graffiti on the 460-year-old Vasari Corridor, a historic landmark connected to the Uffizi Galleries. The vandalism will require €10,000 worth of repairs, and the suspects were identified through video surveillance footage. Italy's Culture Ministry has stated that the repairs will be carried out under the watch of armed guards. This incident adds to a string of tourist-related vandalism in Italy, including defacements of the Colosseum and swimming in protected lagoons in Venice. Florence Mayor Dario Nardella called the act a "shameful act of vandalism," and Uffizi director Eike Schmidt has called for prison terms for violators of cultural heritage sites.
The Crooked House pub, a historic landmark in England's West Midlands, known for its distinctive lean, was deliberately burned down and illegally demolished. The fire, believed to be arson, occurred shortly after the pub was sold to new owners. The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who are demanding that the pub be rebuilt. The destruction of the Crooked House highlights broader concerns about the future of Britain's struggling pubs, with many facing closure due to financial challenges. The incident is under investigation, and politicians have expressed support for stronger protections for historic pubs.
A two-alarm fire broke out at the historic Broad Street Market in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, causing severe damage to the brick section of the market. Fortunately, no one was present at the time of the fire. The blaze also melted the glass of nearby lamppost lights. Neighbors and vendors are now contemplating the future of the landmark and its restoration.
