JACKSON, Wyo. — Officials in Yellowstone have raised the fire danger to Very High in the nation’s oldest national park.
The decision was made despite any active fires in Yellowstone, but a spate of hot, dry weather has dried out potential wildfire fuels at an alarming rate.
The elevated fire level comes with no open fire restrictions in place, currently, other than all campfires are permitted in only established fire rings.
The park’s only two fire events this season were both lightning-caused and both extinguished quickly before either—Sour Fire (August 1) and Soda Fire (August 3)—could grow to even one acre.
After a relatively quiet season last year when fire danger never got above High and no significant fires plagued the park, this summer has hit a stretch of low-humidity and afternoon winds that make for prime wildfire conditions.
The summer of 2016 was the last time fire danger was elevated to higher than Very High (Extreme).
Yellowstone officials remind all campers and backcountry users that campfires must be cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel, repeat.
