GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. — Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs toured the destruction left by a wildfire along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, on Saturday, surveying what she described as devastating damage.

The governor, who has called for an investigation into how the blaze was handled, sought to gather information ahead of meetings with federal officials next week. She looked intently out the window as the Black Hawk helicopter she was riding snaked over the Grand Canyon.

White smoke emerged from the North Rim, and most of the Grand Canyon Lodge was reduced to a bare skeleton.

The wildfire was sparked by a lightning strike July 4. Four days later the National Park Service said it was being allowed to burn as part of a “confine and contain” strategy.

But a week after ignition, blustery winds, hot temperatures and lower humidity quickly intensified the flames. The blaze has charred more than 18 square miles, and as of Saturday it was 8% contained, according to fire information officer Stefan La-Sky.

— The Associated Press