You are here

Home » Wildfires Burning In Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Parks

Wildfires Burning In Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Parks

Share

Published Date

August 18, 2016

The Berry Fire in the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park has been sending up a lot of smoke, but isn't threatening any front-country areas/NPS

Lightning-sparked fires burning in the backcountry of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are kicking up a lot of smoke but currently are not posing a threat to visitors or front-country areas.

Yellowstone National Park Fires

The largest of the fires, the Maple Fire, has spread across more than 12,000 acres along Yellowstone's western boundary, about 8 miles north-northeast of West Yellowstone. Spotted on August 8, the fire is burning in short grass and timber "located in a 1988 burn scar with moderate to heavy lodgepole regeneration." At this point, fire bosses are keeping an eye on the fire and will react to specific threats to structures and roads if they arise.

The Maple Fire in Yellowstone has been burning through an area that burned in 1988/NPS

The Fawn Fire was first spotted on August 4 and since has spread to about 1,000 acres 10 miles west-southwest of Mammoth Hot Springs.

"The fire has not been producing enough smoke to be visible from the Mammoth Hot Springs and Gardiner areas. However it is still burning, just at a lower intensity. Fire activity has been minimal on the Fawn Fire the past several days," officials reported.

The Buffalo Fire, ignited August 13 by a lightning strike, has burned across more than 2,000 acres some 5 miles northeast of Tower Junction. It also is burning in a scar left from the 1988 fires that swept the park, and was being monitored, not actively fought.

Grand Teton National Park Fires

The Berry Fire was set by a lightning strike on July 25, but only recently has grown significantly. As of Wednesday it was estimated at 617 acres, burning in the vicinity of Elk Ridge about 19 miles northwest of Moran. For the public's safety, the following trails have been temporarily closed:

  • Glade Creek trail
  • Owl-Berry Cutoff trail
  • Berry Creek trail from Glade Creek to Hechtman Creek
  • Owl Creek trail three miles west of Cutoff to Webb Canyon junction

Related Stories:

Any Future Eruption Of The Yellowstone Caldera Likely To Occur Along Northeastern Edge
New Study Outlines Fire Danger Of Dead Standing Trees In Yellowstone
Sunday's Podcast: Yellowstone Wolves At 30

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

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 comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

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

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.