Gusty winds drive Yellowstone fire danger to Extreme

Gusty winds fanned two of the small fires burning in the Yellowstone National Park back country. Fire managers expected increased fire activity Friday and Saturday. The fire danger level in Yellowstone is “extreme” and fire restrictions remain in effect. All park entrances, roads, campgrounds, lodging, stores, and other visitor services are open.

The Cygnet fire, five miles southeast of Norris Junction, put up a highly visible smoke column late Thursday. Now estimated at 400 acres, firefighters were working to protect a utility corridor in the area. A section of the back country, including the Cygnet Lakes Trail, is temporarily closed.

The lightning caused Range fire grew to about 100 acres in a back country area eight and a half miles southwest of Tower Fall. The fire had been dormant until winds rekindled it.

Firefighters continue to monitor the Agate, Camera, Dewdrop, and Dewdrop 2 fires. All have shown little recent activity.

Fire restrictions remain in effect. Any fire which can produce an ash is prohibited in the
backcountry. Smoking is prohibited along all trails and anywhere in the backcountry. Smoking is allowed in vehicles and along roads, near buildings, and in developed campgrounds or picnic areas if you are standing in an area at least three feet in diameter where nothing on the ground will burn. Campfires are allowed only in established fire grates or fire rings in picnic areas, campgrounds and housing areas. Charcoal grills are okay in these same areas as well. You can use portable stoves and lanterns which use propane, white gas, kerosene, or jellied petroleum for fuel anywhere in the park.