August 21, 2013 - 12:00 p.m.
Overview: A National Incident Management
Organization team headed by Incident Commander Bill Hahnenberg will take over management
of all five active fires in Yellowstone National Park on Thursday morning,
August 22. Approximately 150 fire personnel are assigned.
Alum Fire: The Alum Fire moved a little closer to
the Grand Loop Road south of Mud Volcano on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a
temporary road closure which was lifted Wednesday morning. Due to ongoing fire
growth and better mapping, the fire perimeter is now estimated to cover 7,500
acres. When actively burning, the Alum Fire can produce a tall smoke column
visible for several miles. There is an ongoing potential for the temporary
closure of the road linking Fishing Bridge Junction and Canyon Village.
The latest road status information is available 24-hours a day by calling
307-344-2117.
Mud Volcano, LeHardy Rapids, and
several picnic areas and pullouts, as well as some backcountry trails in the
area are temporarily closed.
Multiple structural and wildland fire
engines and portable pumps and hoses are now located in the Lake, Fishing
Bridge, and Bridge Bay area.
Fire mangers continue focus on
protection of the road corridor, the boardwalk in Mud Volcano, and on structure
protection efforts in Fishing Bridge, Lake Village, and Bridge Bay.
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.
This lightning caused fire was discovered
in the backcountry west of Mud Volcano on Wednesday, August 14. (The
fire name is pronounced AL-umm, not ah-LUM).
Alder Fire: The Alder Fire grew another
500 acres during Tuesday afternoon and evening. It is now estimated to cover
3,500 acres. This fire is on a peninsula at the south end of the Yellowstone
Lake and is therefore hemmed in by water on three sides and by a recently
burned area to the south. All backcountry campsites on The Promontory have been
temporarily closed. This lightning caused fire was discovered on
August 14.
Druid Fire: This fire high above the Northeast
Entrance road on Druid Peak can produce a smoke column visible when actively
burning in the afternoon and early evening. The fire remains situated on
the north side of the peak. Estimated at 150 acres, it was started by
lightning and was discovered on Friday, August 9.
Other Fires: The Passage Fire was discovered August
15 at the south end of Yellowstone Lake. This lightning caused fire remains
quiet and is just an acre in size. Tuesday was another quiet day on the
200 acre Snake Fire, which is located three miles east of the South Entrance
along the boundary with the Bridger-Teton National Forest. At times some
of the park fires are visible on the Mount Washburn Fire Lookout Web Cams http://www.nps.gov/yell/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm.
Weather: The forecast for Wednesday calls for
slightly cooler temperatures and a chance of isolated showers or
thunderstorms. There is an increasing chance of thunderstorms on
Thursday, which could bring some measurable rain, but also the possibility of
gusty winds and lightning.
Impacts to visitors and area
residents: All
roads leading into and through the park and the surrounding forest and all
campgrounds, lodging, stores, and visitor services are open. Updated park
road information is available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.
Additional information: Maps, photos, and update information
can be found on the web at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/5382. You can also follow us
on Twitter @YellowstoneNPS. The next fire update will be prepared and
distributed by Noon Thursday, August 22.
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