Yellowstone monitoring new lightning fire

Yellowstone National Park is closely monitoring its fifth and largest wildfire of the season.

The Mount Washburn fire lookout spotted the “Pollux” fire burning near the eastern boundary of the park on Saturday night.

Shoshone National Forest aerial reconnaissance pinpointed the fire in the vicinity of Pollux Creek on Sunday.

The lightning-caused fire has grown to 29 acres.

It is in an area that does not pose any immediate threat to established trails, backcountry campsites or patrol cabins.

While monitoring the fire, fire managers are also preparing long-term management plans that address firefighter and public safety, natural and cultural resources, and protection of structures. In this case, that includes a patrol cabin located about 4 miles north of the fire.

Smoke from the wildfire may be visible in the areas of Sunlight Basin, and Crandall, Wyoming.

Yellowstone has seen three other wildfires this summer. In mid-July, The 7 Hole and Sour Creek fires were limited to one-tenth of an acre each and were lightning caused. The Observation Peak fire started by lightning on July 30 and is listed as inactive. The North entrance fire was human caused and quickly controlled on July 26.

Fire danger in the Yellowstone region is currently listed as “moderate”.