YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — Thursday’s lightning storms ignited the first reported wildland fire in Yellowstone National Park of the 2021 summer season.
A visitor reported the fire on the evening of June 24.
The Elk Creek Fire is a small one — .1 acres so far — but is being suppressed due to an unfavorable location this early in the fire season. The fire is located on a ridge south of Blacktail Drive and west of Petrified Tree in the northern part of the park.
The parkwide fire danger level for Yellowstone is “high.”
Currently, there are no fire restrictions. However, park staff is monitoring conditions and may put restrictions in place in the near future.
Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
Campfires must always be attended to and cold to the touch before abandoning. Remember: soak, stir, feel, repeat.
The Greater Yellowstone area is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation.
