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.

This iconic Grand Canyon spot draws crowds with epic views, but it also hides a deadly track record that catches many visitors off guard.

"Though it was definitely not your average vacation trip, everything worked out okay. We made the best of it," Russ Christian said.