YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — According to a press release from the park, West Thumb Geyser Basin, located at the southern end of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) will be closed due to hazardous conditions.

On Tuesday, Sept. 6, Northwestern Energy staff reported smoke coming out of a small building near the bookstore that houses a solar battery energy storage system at West Thumb Geyser Basin. Park structural fire crews were notified and dispatched to the location. They did not see flames when they arrived, but there was smoke. The exterior of the building was not damaged.

Battery fumes are corrosive and hazardous when inhaled. To ensure visitor and employee safety, West Thumb Geyser Basin will be closed until the batteries have fully discharged and fumes have dissipated from the area. The park structural fire crew will continue to monitor the area, and the geyser basin will reopen when it is deemed safe.

Toby Koekkoek is a Community News Reporter, and a recent resident of Teton Valley. He enjoys writing about our region's community events and the movers and shakers that make up the culture of this unique mountain town. He enjoys deep powder, and deep thoughts, skateboarding, playing racquet sports, riding his bike, and nerding out on music. Toby also coaches freeride skiing for the Jackson Hole Ski Club and runs skateboard camps in the summer.