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Very Active Wildfire Day Expected In Yellowstone National Park

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Published Date

August 31, 2016

Firefighters were working on "burn out" operations -- setting fire to fuels inside containment lines -- in an effort to slow the growth of the Maple Fire in Yellowstone National Park/NPS

With "critically low" relative humidity levels, erratic winds and dry thunderstorms in the forecast, fire bosses in Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday were warning visitors to expect a "very active fire day" with traffic delays likely on the west side of the park as firefighters battle the flames.

The Maple Fire burning to the north of the West Entrance road grew by nearly 2,000 acres on Tuesday, and fire bosses expected more of the same Wednesday.

"We will see active burning with short crown runs in mature timber. Critically low RHs, increased temperatures and and low fuel moistures will persist," the morning briefing report stated. "Weather patterns throughout the region will create a high chance of additional fire starts."

The weather conditions were expected to persist into Friday, with winds increasing day by day.

"East of the Seven Mile Bridge along the Madison River, traffic was reduced to one lane (Tuesday) afternoon as burnout operations were conducted along the highway. This operation will continue today. Park visitors should expect delays with traffic reduced to one lane," the briefing report said. "Increased fire activity and smoke are expected to continue. Increasing winds are expected for the rest of the week, while temperatures remain warm and humidity is critically low."

The fire, which was sparked August 8 by a lightning strike, had consumed nearly 37,000 acres and had crept to within two miles of Madison Junction. Helicopters were providing water drops to help the ground crews, some which were doing "burn out" operations -- setting fire to fuels inside a control line with the intention of depriving the main fire of those fuels.

Fire information officers were stationed along the West Entrance road to answer visitors' questions about the wildfire.

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Comments

Submitted by Linda Mullaney on August 31, 2016 - 2:26pm.

Respect to the firefighters...be safe!


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