Zion Fire Complex Nearing 10,000 Acres, Yellowstone Fire Grows

Published Date

July 22, 2007

The Dakota Hill Complex of fires in Zion covered nearly 10,000 acres by July 22.

Continued dry, windy conditions have allowed the Dakota Complex of fires in Zion National Park to grow to nearly 10,000 acres in the park's backcountry. Fire bosses say they've contained just 10 percent of the fires, and the current weather conditions, the rugged terrain the fires are located within, and the possibility of thunderstorms are compounding efforts to get better control over the blazes.

The accompanying map isn't the best, but it gives you a rough idea of where in the park the fires are located. Stands of Ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, juniper, sage and grasses are feeding the flames, which have prompted park officials to ban backcountry travel and canyoneering.

In Yellowstone, the Owl Fire in the park's northwestern corner blew up to 400 acres late Saturday. Located east of U.S. 191 and just south of Specimen Creek, the fire was sparked by a lightning strike Friday. It had covered only about 60 acres Saturday morning, but the unusually dry conditions and winds gusting to 20 miles per hour pushed the flames quickly through stands of lodgepole and whitebark pine.

Today, conditions permitting, crews are using helicopters to dump buckets of water on the fire.

So far Yellowstone has reported 11 fires this summer, and the Owl Fire is the largest. Of the 11, seven were sparked by lightning, the other four by people.

Story Categories:

Wildfires

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add new comment

Comments

Submitted by jsmacdonald on July 23, 2007 - 8:23am.

The Owl fire is not as large as previously reported. See http://www.inciweb.org/incident/news/article/855/4359/ and http://www.inciweb.org/incident/news/855/ for the latest.

Jim Macdonald
The Magic of Yellowstone
Yellowstone Newspaper
Jim's Eclectic World

Submitted by Mookie on July 25, 2007 - 12:13pm.

Looks like rain in Zion has knocked back their fires quite a bit. The latest report shows it over 80% contained, and they've reopened the part of the backcountry that wasn't affected.

Submitted by jsmacdonald on July 26, 2007 - 6:42am.

On the other hand, the Owl fire continues to grow despite cooler weather yesterday and rain in much of the park (though apparently not in the area of the fire). The fire is now 2500 acres and 0% contained. It has crossed Specimen Creek.

See http://www.nps.gov/yell/parknews/owl1.htm

Jim Macdonald
The Magic of Yellowstone
Yellowstone Newspaper
Jim's Eclectic World

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks