YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Crews are suppressing the newly detected Ash Fire in the Bechler area of Yellowstone National Park (YNP), according to a Wednesday evening announcement by the park.
Located in the park’s southwestern corner, the fire is estimated at over 10 acres, YNP said. Helitack crews discovered the fire on an aerial reconnaissance mission on Wednesday afternoon. Immediate suppression efforts began. Approximately 25 personnel are assigned to the fire, along with Forest Service smokejumpers, a park helicopter with a crew, Yellowstone’s Fire Module, a Type 3 helicopter and a heavy helicopter, YNP added.
Closures are in place in nearby trails and backcountry campsites, visible on the park’s backcountry conditions website.
“The Ash Fire was most likely ignited by lightning,” YNP’s release reads. “The park has received over 350 lightning strikes in the last 24 hours.”
Parkwide fire danger is considered “high,” meaning wildfires are likely to start easily from various causes and can spread rapidly. Campfires are only allowed within fire rings in campgrounds and at specified backcountry campsites. All fires must be attended at all times, and cold to the touch before abandoning.
“Yellowstone firefighters have responded to multiple wildfires throughout the park since the beginning of July,” YNP’s release reads. “In recent weeks, over 500 lightning strikes from thunderstorms have resulted in six wildfires in the park’s backcountry. Firefighters have worked diligently to suppress all wildland fires upon detection.”
See the park’s current fire activity site for updates. Fire danger in Teton County was elevated to “very high” on Wednesday afternoon.
