YELLOWSTONE — The lightning-ignited Lone Star Fire burning just south of Old Faithful has kept part of the Grand Loop Road closed from concerns due to proximity to the fire, impacts from smoke, and increased fire traffic. It was reported Saturday afternoon, following a week of heavy lightning activity and very high fire danger. The Lone Star fire is approximately 3 miles southeast of Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.
As of Monday evening, the fire was estimated at 664 acres and is spreading to the northeast, away from the Old Faithful area.
The Wyoming Team 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) was ordered Sunday because of high fire severity in the park and limited resources due to widespread national fire activity. The IMT took over management of the fire Monday morning and will work with park fire resources and staff during the incident. Thirty-seven personnel are currently assigned to the fire.
Crews today will focus on creating fire protection plans for developed areas. Fire suppression efforts will be based on the fire’s movement towards park infrastructure such as historic buildings, a water treatment plant, communication towers, and other resources at risk. The IMT will monitor smoke and fire spread as part of a closure management plan to determine when the Grand Loop Road may reopen to public or administrative travel.
Many of the trails leading to Shoshone Lake and Lone Star Geyser are closed. Hikers are encouraged to talk to park staff for alternate hiking opportunities or visit the park’s Backcountry Situation Report.
Fire danger in the Yellowstone area remains very high; campfires in the backcountry are not allowed. Read more about backcountry fire restrictions in the Backcountry Situation Report.
All entrances to Yellowstone are still open along with the Old Faithful developed area and West Thumb Geyser Basin.
