wildland fire

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Two Yellowstone campgrounds reopen as fires smolder

Fire activity has been reported as light this week on several smoldering fires in Yellowstone National Park, and two backcountry campgrounds will be reopened after closures from earlier fire activity. Campsites 5L8 and 5L9 on the northeast portion of Promontory Point near Yellowstone Lake are being opened, according to information released by fire managers. Continue Reading →

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Teton area fire danger lessens after recent rain

Fire danger in the Teton area has lessened after recent rain, including around the Snake Fire, which straddles the border of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Recent rains throughout the Teton Interagency Fire area have given firefighters a much-needed respite from fire activity, and resulted in the fire danger dropping to "moderate" as of Wednesday. The precipitation also minimized activity on several lightning-caused fires in the Teton area. Teton Interagency Fire personnel will continue to actively monitor and patrol area fires as conditions warrant. Continue Reading →

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Several wildland fires burning throughout greater Yellowstone area

Hot, dry weather has persisted across the greater Yellowstone area as several lightning-caused fires continued to grow Tuesday. Yellowstone National Park officials have closed one popular roadside attraction and are making precautionary plans for the potential evacuation of visitors from Fishing Bridge and nearby areas, should the situation worsen. Continue Reading →

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Small fire sparked near south entrance to Yellowstone

The Snake Fire was probably sparked by lightning, and was discovered Monday afternoon burning near the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park are advised to check with rangers regarding potential trail and campsite closures around a small fire burning near the park's South Entrance The Snake Fire was discovered shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, burning along the boundary between the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Yellowstone National Park, approximately three miles east of Yellowstone’s South Entrance. Continue Reading →

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Events mark 75th anniversary of deadly Blackwater Fire east of Yellowstone Park

Firefighters move through a chow line during the 1937 Blackwater Fire east of Yellowstone National Park. Fifteen firefighters were killed in the blaze, and a series of events are scheduled for the 75th anniversary of the blaze. (Jack Richard photo courtesy of Buffalo Bill Historical Center McCracken Research Library PN.89.114.21398.4)

The Forest Service has planned a series of events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Blackwater Fire, which killed 15 firefighters and sparked a national review of firefighting techniques. Planned events include a ceremony at the roadside memorial between Cody, Wyo. and Yellowstone, and a hike to the backcountry memorial at the site of the fatalities. Continue Reading →

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Yellowstone Park lifts fire restrictions after rain showers

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 →

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Yellowstone and Grand Teton fire danger high for Fourth of July

Fire danger in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks is high or very high going into the Fourth of July. (Ruffin Prevost/Yellowstone Gate file photo - click to enlarge)

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 →

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