Date: August 16, 2007
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2010
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2007 07-73
Al Nash (307) 344-2010
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
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Yellowstone Fires Update
Thistle Fire: This new lightning-caused fire was detected about 2:30 this afternoon in the backcountry east of the Yellowstone River and 7 miles north-northeast of Fishing Bridge. Four smokejumpers were called in to conduct initial attack operations. Less than one-quarter acre in size.
Owl Fire: This 2,800 acre fire is in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park east of U.S. Highway 191 and north of the Montana/Wyoming state line. At one time over 400 firefighters were assigned to contain this lightning-caused fire. Late Tuesday afternoon firefighters on patrol discovered active fire in an area of unburned trees within the containment line. Because this small fire had the potential to cause spot fires outside the containment line, eight smokejumpers were called in to suppress this fire. They were joined by four more jumpers Wednesday morning. The smokejumpers, joined by a 20-person Bureau of Land Management hand crew and a 5-person Yellowstone National Park trails crew, are at work mopping up, patrolling and rehabilitating the fire line. The 8-acre spot fire is now contained.
Huckleberry Fire: The last four smokejumpers assigned to the Huckleberry Fire hiked out Wednesday afternoon. The 40-acre fire located 10 miles east of the park’s South Entrance is 100 percent contained and will be regularly patrolled.
Promontory Complex: The Promontory Complex is burning on the northeast section of a large peninsula at the south end of Yellowstone Lake. It has been actively burning and producing a large, dark smoke column visible in the afternoon. It was started by lightning a week ago today. It is being actively managed as a Wildland Fire Used For Resource Benefit, since it poses no threat to people or property. Estimated size is 1,100 acres.
Beaverdam Fire: This fire is located deep in the backcountry, east of the Southeast Arm of Yellowstone Lake and south of the Columbine Fire. The Beaverdam Fire was started by lightning on July 22. It is slowly advancing to the east-northeast. The Beaverdam Fire is being actively managed as a Wildland Fire Used For Resource Benefit, since is poses no threat to people or property. It is estimated at 1,300 acres.
Columbine Fire: The Columbine Fire is burning in Yellowstone National Park and the Shoshone National Forest south of the East Entrance road and US Highway 14-16-20. Firefighting efforts on the Columbine Fire are being directed by Mark Grant’s Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team. Updates on the Columbine Fire are being posted to the web at http://inciweb.org/incident/920/. Recorded information on the Columbine Fire is also available 24 hours a day by calling 307-344-2580.
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None of the fires in the park pose a threat to visitors.
The park’s East Entrance Road remains temporarily closed due the proximity of the Columbine Fire. All other park entrances and roads remain open. All camping, lodging, restaurants, stores, service stations, and visitor centers inside the park remain open and fully operational. Updated road information is available 24 hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.
Some backcountry trails and campsites near the Owl Fire, the Beaverdam Fire, and the Promontory Complex are temporarily closed. Updated information is available by calling the Backcountry Office during business hours at 307-344-2160.
- www.nps.gov/yell -
