A fire burning in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park has grown to 2,119 acres.

The Spruce Fire was caused by lightning and is burning in a lodgepole pine forest about 10 miles west of Fishing Bridge and two miles south of Hayden Valley in the central part of the park.

 

Smoke from the fire has been visible throughout the park and in surrounding communities; however, no facilities, trails, or roads are threatened and there are no closures in place, according to a news release from the park.

 

“The fire continues to play its natural role in the ecosystem and crews are managing it for its benefits to park resources. It is burning in a typical mosaic pattern within the fire’s perimeter, with overall fire activity picking up in the afternoon as temperatures rise, relative humidity levels drop, and gusty winds increase. On Sunday, hazy smoke from wildland fires burning in California and parts of Idaho likely played a role in suppressing the fire’s activity and spread. A change in the weather forecast for Monday calls for cloudier, cooler, and wetter conditions,” the release states.

 

Another, smaller fire is burning on the Promontory Peninsula at the south end of Yellowstone Lake. Backcountry campsites 5L3, 5L4, and 6A1 continue to be closed due to the 5L4 Fire.

 

Two other park fires were suppressed in the past week, including a human-caused fire in Mammoth Hot Springs on Sept. 10 and a lightning-caused fire near the northwest boundary of the park on Sept. 12.

 

The fire danger in Yellowstone National Park is currently “High.” There are no fire restrictions in place, however, campfires are only allowed in designated grills in park campgrounds, some picnic areas and specific backcountry campsites.

 

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