YELLOWSTONE, Wyo. — This afternoon, Yellowstone National Park announced that the park-wide fire danger level is now high. At the moment, there are no active wildland fires in the park and there are no fire restrictions in place or planned within the park.
Since 1974, managers have utilized the National Fire Danger Rating System to describe danger levels to the public. According to the ranking system, a high level of fire dangers means that fires in the park are likely.
“Fires in heavy, continuous fuel, such as mature grassland, weed fields, and forest litter, will be difficult to control under windy conditions,” the park said in a press release. “Control through direct attack may be difficult but possible, and mop-up will be required. Outdoor burning should be restricted to early morning and late evening hours.”
Visitors should note that campfires are only permitted within the established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites. Campfires must always be attended to and should be cold to the touch before abandoning. As a reminder, soak, stir, feel and repeat.
The Greater Yellowstone area is a fire-adapted ecosystem and fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation.
In fact, the National Park Service (NPS) mentions that fire has been a key factor in shaping the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). “Several native plant species evolved adaptations so they survive and, in some cases, flourish after periodic fires. Fire influences ecosystem processes and patterns, such as nutrient cycling and plant community composition and structured,” said NPS.
To stay informed about current fire activity in Yellowstone click here.
If fire-related closures occur, they will be listed on InciWeb pages linked below. Closures affecting Yellowstone roads will also be listed on the park roads page. Closures affecting park trails and trailheads will be listed on the backcountry situation report. For regular recorded updates call 307-344-7102.
