The Berry Fire has once again closed the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park/NPS

Once again, Yellowstone National Park was forced to close its South Entrance on Sunday due to increased activity of the Berry Fire, which is burning 20,801 acres in Grand Teton National Park.

Last month, the entrance was closed for a week due to the lightning-caused fire, but it reopened August 30 thanks to the work of fire crews.

However, fire activity increased Sunday, with heavy smoke and falling trees forcing the closure between the Yellowstone South Entrance and Lizard Creek Campground on Hwy 89/191/287. Lewis Lake Campground is still open, and visitors are allowed to access that campground from the north. Only visitors headed to Lewis Lake Campground or backcountry trailheads along the park road will be allowed to drive south of the Grant Intersection.

NPS staff housed at South Entrance were evacuated safely. All employees are accounted for and most of them have been relocated to Grant. Park staff also helped at Flagg Ranch during evacuations. Fire crews had sprinkler systems in place to protect structures at Flagg Ranch, and as of 10 p.m., no structures had been damaged.

The park sent three engines and several rangers to the Berry Fire to assist with structure protection and public safety. The Maple Fire sent one engine and a hotshot crew.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidities are predicted for today, with possible moisture. The latest information on the Berry Fire is available at Inciweb, and Yellowstone fire updates can be found at the park’s website.