Yellowstone Gate (https://www.yellowstonegate.com/tag/fire/)
Authorities have closed the main connector road between the south end of Yellowstone National Park and northern border of Grand Teton National Park after a wildfire that started last month has grown to nearly 7,000 acres. The closure means vacation travelers must detour at least 150 miles to move between the neighboring parks, which are connected by an 8-mile scenic parkway. Continue Reading →
One person died and four others were injured Friday during an early morning fire at the Grand Teton Lodge Company’s Colter Bay employee dormitory in Grand Teton National Park. The fire was limited to a single dorm room, and adjacent rooms sustained smoke damage. Approximately 70 people were evacuated from the two-story dormitory building and all were assessed for injuries and/or smoke inhalation by park emergency medical service providers. Continue Reading →
Since 1872, Yellowstone National Park has been preserved and protected so that future generations will be able to enjoy the landscapes and wildlife much as they have existed for almost a century and a half. But park managers have little or no control over many factors that influence the park, including one of the most important: changes in the climate. So learning more about how Yellowstone might change as the summers become warmer, longer and drier is a key concern for planners. Cathy Whitlock, a professor of earth sciences at Montana State University-Bozeman, has a few ideas about what the future holds for Yellowstone's climate. And that insight comes from some studious detective work done looking into the past. Continue Reading →
Several days of dry weather have prompted officials to elevate the fire danger in Yellowstone National Park to extreme, the highest possible level. Fire restrictions are in effect, and campfires are allowed only in established fire grates or fire rings in picnic areas or campgrounds. Two fires in the central portion of the Yellowstone have become more active, and smoke may be visible from areas along the Grand Loop Road from Norris to Canyon Village and south to Fishing Bridge. Aside from a few trail segments and some backcountry campsite closures associated with the fires, all park entrances, roads, campgrounds, lodging, stores and other visitor services are open. Continue Reading →
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. Continue Reading →
As dry, hot weather conditions persist and several wildland fires burn throughout the West, land management agencies across the greater Yellowstone area are issuing warnings of elevated fire danger. So far, only minor road and campground closures have been required as a result of fires in the area. The fire danger in Yellowstone National Park has been elevated to very high, and it is listed as high in Grand Teton National Park. Park managers advise visitors and residents to exercise extreme caution. Continue Reading →