Date: August 30, 2006
Contact: Nash, (307) 344-2010
Contact: Vallie, (307) 344-2012
A continued drying trend coupled with an increased burning period and gusty winds has caused concern that the Stinky Fire, burning 19 miles southeast of Tower Junction, may become a potential threat to a few of Yellowstone's backcountry trails and campsites in the area.
The Miller Creek, Canoe Lake, Bootjack Gap, and Hoodoo Basin trails, as well as backcountry campsites along the Miller Creek trail have been closed. Contact Yellowstone's Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160 for information on the status of these trails and campsites.
The Canoe Lake, Bootjack Gap and Hoodoo Basin trails cross the boundary of Yellowstone and extend into the Shoshone National Forest. Contact the Shoshone National Forest at (307) 578-1200 for information on the portion of these trails outside Yellowstone.
Today's forecast calls for southwest winds at 15 to 20 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph with gusts to around 45 mph in the afternoon caused by possible thunderstorms. Expected highs from 66°F to 72°F; lows 37°F to 43°F.
There have been 13 fires in Yellowstone this season; nine lightning-caused and four man-caused. The four man-caused fires were immediately suppressed. There are currently four fires still burning in the park.
The Stinky Fire, mapped at 1,010, is a suppression fire managed in a confinement strategy for economic and safety reasons. The Magpie Fire, located 7 miles east of Madison Junction, is being monitored on the ground, from lookout towers and by over flights, and is carefully evaluated on a daily basis to determine what actions are appropriate. It has been mapped at 2,074.
Neither of the other two fires— the Pumice Fire near Pumice Point on Yellowstone Lake or the Dryad Lake Fire several miles west of Bridge Bay— is actively burning. Both have been contained and are being patrolled.
All visitor services, park entrances and roads are open. None of the park’s fires are a threat to visitors or developed areas in the park.
While fire danger in the park remains high, there are no fire restrictions in effect at this time. The larger fires may produce smoke columns that are visible for several miles. Fire activity in the park and throughout the western region is causing an increase in smoke accumulations over portions of the park and may settle at times in low lying areas, especially in the morning hours.
The Magpie Fire can be viewed in real-time by watching the Mount Washburn Fire Lookout Web Cam at http://www.nps.gov/yell/tours/livecams/mtwashburn/index.htm .
