FLAGSTAFF–The historic Marble Canyon Lodge and Restaurant located on Highway 89A burned to the ground early this morning. Both the north and south bound lanes of 89A were closed for approximately two hours but were reopened at about 5 am. Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives and fire investigators from the Flagstaff Fire Department are on scene attempting to determine the origin of the fire.

At about 1:30 am this morning the burglary alarm for the Marble Canyon Lodge activated an audible siren that woke the owner who was asleep in a nearby residence. The owner also received telephone notification from the dispatch center of the alarm company. As the owner walked outside he saw a large amount of smoke and flames coming from the rear of the structure.

Crew members of a construction company that are doing improvements on the Lee’s Ferry Road and who are staying at the Marble Canyon Motel attempted to fight the fire with the aid of two company owned water tanker trucks. Firefighters from the city of Page, Arizona, arrived at approximately 3:00 am. Other responding agencies included the Fredonia Fire Department, Colorado City/Hildale Fire Department, Page Electric, National Park Service Rangers from Lee’s Ferry, and Kane County Medical Transport.

The newer building that houses the post office and convenience store and is located north of the lodge was not damaged nor was the motel that is located to the south. The Marble Canyon Lodge was established in 1926 and is located 125 Miles North of Flagstaff near the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry.