JACKSON, Wyo. — Firefighters continue to keep a watchful eye on the Lone Star Fire burning in Yellowstone just south of Old Faithful.

A Wyoming Team 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) with Ron Steffens in command took over on the fire Monday due to high fire severity in the park and limited resources due to widespread national fire activity. The IMT is working with park fire resources and staff during the incident. Thirty-eight personnel are currently assigned to the 821-acre fire.

Fire is burning in an unburned stand of lodgepole, spruce, and fir. It is moving in a northeasterly, away from the Old Faithful area but protecting infrastructure continues to be a high priority for firefighters.

The fire was quiet Tuesday until afternoon winds gusted up and the fire grew on the southwest and northeast edges pushing east. There were a number of small spot fires in front of the active perimeter, as far as half-mile out. One large spot fire to the south of the main fire was detected by an infrared flight Tuesday night.

Though the fire continues its spread to the northeast away from, the infrastructure in the area is included in the developing structure protection plan. Fire crews assessed an aboveground power line and water treatment facility. Additionally, personnel worked with park concessions to test the sprinkler system on the park’s iconic Old Faithful Inn.

The lightning-ignited Lone Star Fire was reported on Saturday, August 22, at 5:15 p.m., following a week of heavy lightning activity and very high fire danger.

What’s Open

  • All entrances to Yellowstone are open. For up-to-date road information see the Current Conditions webpage, call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message, or sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777.
  • The Old Faithful developed area and West Thumb Geyser Basin are open.

What’s Closed

  • The Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb Junction remains closed temporarily due to proximity to the fire, impacts from smoke, and increased fire traffic.
  • Many of the trails and campsites around Shoshone Lake and Lone Star Geyser are closed. Hikers are encouraged to talk to park staff for alternate hiking and backpacking opportunities or visit the park’s Backcountry Situation Report.