Republic photographer Michael Chow captured the wildfire in a time-lapse video taken July 14 from the Canyon's South Rim. Chow set up his camera on a tripod, pointed it at the smoke, hoping it cleared at some point and and shot a photo every four seconds for 4 1/2 hours.

The visitor center and a wastewater treatment plant were among the 50 to 80 structures lost, the park superintendent said. The area was evacuated Thursday.

The Dragon Bravo Fire engulfed the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, destroying the landmark building and dozens of structures while firefighters battle a second blaze north of the canyon.