ROSS D. FRANKLIN, SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN and JOHN SEEWER.

The National Park Service is defending its handling of a lightning-sparked wildfire that destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge. The agency said Tuesday that containment lines were in place and crews were prepared to conduct defensive firing operations. Then came a sudden and extreme wind shift that far exceeded forecast conditions. The flames jumped the lines and raced toward the lodge and other historic buildings. Crews had more favorable weather Tuesday as they focused on stopping the flames from consuming the remaining buildings along the North Rim. Tourists at the park’s popular South Rim watched Tuesday as plumes of smoke rose above the canyon walls.