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"Spruce Fire" Jumps To More Than 1,000 Acres In Yellowstone National Park

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Published Date

September 13, 2015
Spruce Fire burning in Yellowstone National Park/NPS

The Spruce Fire, ignited by a lightning strike on Sept 4, had spread to nearly 1,200 acres by Sept 13/NPS

A fire in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park has grown to cover more than 1,100 acres, but firefighters are monitoring the blaze, preferring at this time to let it burn naturally.

The Spruce Fire, ignited by a lightning strike on September 4, is burning about 10 miles west of Fishing Brige and two miles south of the Hayden Valley. Burning in a landscape of lodgepole pine, the fire was measured at 1,164 acres Saturday night.

"This mosaic pattern of burning is typical fire behavior in a lodgepole pine forest. The lightning-caused fire continues to play its natural role in the ecosystem and is being managed for its benefits to park resources," a park release said Sunday.

"Although smoke from the fire is visible throughout the park and surrounding communities, no park facilities, structures, trails, or roads are threatened and there are no closures in place. Weather forecasts for Sunday call for continued dry conditions, with low relative humidity and possible gusty winds in the afternoon. Fire managers expect the fire to be active throughout today, continuing to increase in size with a very visible smoke column."

Locator map of Spruce Fire in Yellowstone National Park/NPS

This locator map shows the location of the Spruce Fire in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park/NPS

Elsewhere in Yellowstone, a much smaller fire, the 5L4 Fire on the Promontory Peninsula at the south end of Yellowstone Lake, was reported on August 24. On Sunday it was currently 16 acres and not very active. Fire crews are also managing this fire for its benefits to park resources. Backcountry campsites 5L3, 5L4, and 6A1 continue to be closed due to the 5L4 Fire.

The fire danger in Yellowstone National Park is currently “High.” There are no fire restrictions in place, however, campfires are only allowed in designated grills in park campgrounds, some picnic areas, and specific backcountry campsites.

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