JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Authorities today confirmed a new fire start in a remote area of Yellowstone National Park.
The fire was first detected on August 3 by the Mount Washburn fire lookout. The fire is believed to be naturally caused. Considerable lightning strike activity has been observed for the past two weeks in the area the fire is burning, along the park’s eastern boundary.
A follow up aerial reconnaissance by the Shoshone National Forest fire staff on the morning of August 4 determined the fire to be in the vicinity of Pollux Peak, mapped at about 29 acres. The remote fire does not pose an immediate threat to established trails, backcountry campsites, or patrol cabins, according to park officials.
Fire managers intend to monitor the Pollux Fire. They also will prepare long-term management plans that address firefighter and public safety, protection of structures (a patrol cabin is located about 4 miles northeast of the fire) and natural and cultural resources.
Smoke from this wildfire may be visible in the areas of Sunlight Basin and Crandall, Wyoming.
