Recorded Fire Information
Line 307-344-2580
August 22, 2013 – 10:
00 a.m.
Overview: The five active fires currently
burning in Yellowstone National Park (the Alum, Alder, Druid, Snake and Passage
Fires) are now being managed as the Druid Complex. Resources include
helicopters, crews and engines; over 200 personnel are now working on the
fires. All of the fires were started by lightning between August 9 and August
14.
Wednesday’s
thunderstorms brought cooler temperatures, increased humidity and rain to the
fire areas, which moderated fire activity and limited growth of the fires.
However, the fires remain active with heat and smoke in the interior areas, and
will likely flare up when temperatures get warmer and drier again. The
thunderstorms also brought lightning. Aerial detection is being used to look
for any new fires that may have resulted from strikes in the park. Scattered
thunderstorms are forecasted again throughout Thursday and could bring
additional precipitation to the area.
The highest
priority in managing these fires is to protect public and firefighter safety.
They are being closely monitored to maximize the benefits they provide for the
unique ecosystems found in the park. Many plant species, including Douglas Fir
and Lodgepole Pine, which dominate the forests, are dependent on fire.
Yellowstone’s wild animals have adapted to fire in their habitats as well.
Alum Fire: The Alum Fire is located in the
heart of the park, just west of the section of the Grand Loop Road between Canyon
Village and Fishing Bridge. The fire grew slightly Wednesday with light rains
canvassing the area, and now covers 7,070 acres. This acreage is less than
Wednesday’s estimate due to improved infrared mapping (which looks for heat) of
the fire.
Mud Volcano,
LeHardy Rapids, and several picnic areas and pullouts, as well as some
backcountry trails in the area are temporarily closed.
Preparations
have been made to provide structure protection in the Fishing Bridge, Lake
Village, and Bridge Bay areas should the fire advance towards the northwest
shore of Yellowstone Lake. While area evacuations are not imminent,
preparations are underway to assist residents and visitors in leaving the
Fishing Bridge, Lake Village, and Bridge Bay areas in the event that an evacuation
is necessary in the coming days. Fire managers also continue to focus on
protection of the road corridor and the boardwalks in Mud Volcano.
Alder Fire: This fire is isolated on a
peninsula at the south end of Yellowstone Lake and is buffered by water on
three sides and a recently burned area to the south. The fire grew slightly
Wednesday, and now covers approximately 4,240 acres. All backcountry campsites
on the Promontory are temporarily closed.
Druid Fire: The Druid Fire is located high
above the Northeast Entrance road on the north side of Druid Peak. It remains
at 150 acres. Smoke from the fire may
impact Cooke City and Silver Gate depending on the wind direction and the plume
may be visible. However, the fire is not
advancing toward any communities.
Snake Fire: The Snake Fire is located three
miles east of the South Entrance along the boundary with the Bridger-Teton
National Forest. The fire currently covers 200 acres but remains minimally
active.
Passage Fire: The Passage Fire is located at
the south end of Yellowstone Lake. It is the smallest of the fires at 1 acre, and
is isolated in a small patch of trees. There has been no spread of the fire.
Impacts to visitors and area
residents: All
roads leading into and through the park as well as the roads to all
campgrounds, lodging, stores and visitor services in the park are open. All
visitors are encouraged to check for updates often as road closures may be
needed based on the fire’s activity. Updated park road information is available
24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.
Additional information can be
found on the web at:
Recorded Fire Information Line 307-344-2580
Follow us on Twitter @YellowstoneNPS
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Yellowstone National Park Website http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
For a PDF of this press release, click here.
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