Date: July 31, 2007
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2010
Contact: Stacy Vallie, 307-344-2012
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2007 07-55
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2010 or 344-2012
----------------------------------------------------
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
Beaverdam Fire Image-July 30
----------------------------------------------------
Smoke From Beaverdam Fire Increases
The Beaverdam Fire deep in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park has become slightly more active after being quiet for several days following an inch of rainfall last week.
The fire produced smoke that was visible Monday afternoon from various view points and Grant Village, several miles away. The fire burned with moderate intensity and exhibited slight growth. The fire size is estimated at 630 acres.
The lightning-caused fire has been burning for over a week in the backcountry, east of the southeast arm of Yellowstone Lake, a dozen miles south-southwest of the park’s East Entrance.
The Beaverdam Fire is being actively managed as a Wildland Fire Use for Resource Benefits, since it benefits the ecosystem and doesn’t pose a threat to people or property
Firefighters are actively monitoring fire activity and fuel conditions on the Beaverdam Fire from the ground, the park’s fire lookout towers, and by regular overflights. Yellowstone National Park aggressively works to put out all human-caused fires and any naturally occurring fires when they threaten people or developed areas.
All visitor services, park entrances and roads are open. The Thorofare Trail remains open, but backcountry users are being advised that the status of the trail could change on short notice. Two backcountry campsites in the area remain temporarily closed. Updated information is available by calling the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160 during business hours.
There have been twelve fires in Yellowstone National Park this year. The only other fire actively burning is the Owl Fire, in the northwest corner of the park. A Type 2 Incident Management Team is directing efforts to suppress the Owl Fire.
Fire restrictions have been in effect in Yellowstone National Park since July 3. The extended weather forecast calls for continued warm weather with a chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
Information on the Beaverdam Fire is available on the web at http://inciweb.org/incident/875/ . Further updates are not scheduled, but will be issued if significant changes on the fire warrant. Information on Yellowstone National Park’s Wildland Fire Management program is available online at http://www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm.
-www.nps.gov/yell -
