Yellowstone Park lifts fire restrictions after rain showers

From Staff Reports

Yellowstone National Park managers have lifted fire restrictions after a round of recent rainfall over most of the park.

The increased precipitation also helped wildland firefighting crews suppress the Blacktail Fire near the park’s northern boundary. The fire, which began July 12 and reached 29 acres, is approximately 95 percent contained, with full containment expected by next week, according to information released by the Yellowstone public affairs office.

The 8 smoke jumpers and 5 helicopter crew members who initially attacked the fire have been replaced by a 4-person wildland fire crew assigned to Yellowstone from Saguaro National Park to assist with mop-up and patrol efforts.

Park managers had banned fires outside of designated fire rings in developed campgrounds, as well as smoking in many areas of the park. Those restrictions and others have been lifted.

Mangers caution that the lifting of the fire restrictions does not remove the responsibility for visitors to ensure that all campfires are fully extinguished and are built only in areas designated for their use. Visitors are reminded to be cautious when smoking in any area where there are combustible fuels.

As always, anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire can be held responsible for the cost of the fire and charged with a crime.

Contact Yellowstone Gate at 307-213-9818 or info@yellowstonegate.com.

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