The building was surrounded by vegetation on fire when a team of "helitack" firefighters arrived to protect the area on Tuesday. Grand Canyon National Park officials said the crews knew if the pump house fell, the consequences could cripple park operations for months.

The Dragon Bravo Fire has consumed over 11,000 acres and is 0% contained. The White Sage Fire has spread across 58,631 acres and is 17% contained.

The Dragon Bravo Fire burning inside Grand Canyon National Park has destroyed dozens of structures, including a beloved and historic lodge.

U.S. land managers have long known that they have a problem on their hands with overgrown forests and persistent drought.

The Dragon Bravo Fire started on July 4 and was managed at first as a controlled burn. Then the wind picked up, and it quickly became uncontrollable.

A combination of high winds, dry air and above average temperatures caused a wildfire in the Grand Canyon to rapidly expand and cause major damage.