A South Rim mayor is clearing up confusion for tourists who believe the entire Grand Canyon National Park is closed due to wildfires.

The Grand Canyon Lodge was the park's one and only hotel, according the National Park Service, with the next nearest lodgings roughly 18 miles away.

Along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, the Dragon Bravo Fire that destroyed the lodge and other buildings spread to nearly 9 square miles (23 square kilometers) Monday.

Fire activity on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has forced the closure of several trails and campgrounds. Meanwhile, life goes on at the South Rim where tourists endured a smokey visit Monday.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) questioned the federal government’s handling of the fires burning the Grand Canyon, which have spread rapidly and destroyed dozens of buildings. Two wildfires, the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire,

Heavy winds that swept through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on Sunday night started “rapid fire spread” after a relatively slow day of growth, according to fire officials.

A rapidly growing wildfire in far northern Coconino County has scorched more than 40,000 acres which resulting in highway closures and evacuations. Dubbed the White Sage Fire, the blaze is one of two active wildfires burning near the northern rim of the Grand Canyon.

Congressman Paul Gosar is demanding answers after a wildfire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge and more than 70 structures.