Yellowstone Fires-the Latest News

Not a lot has changed since the last update. Warmer, humid weather and winds over the next couple of days will continue to dry fuels, which may result in increasing fire behavior (creeping, isolated/small group torching), but is not likely to cause large fire growth. Fire is a natural part of the Yellowstone ecosystem, consuming dead wood and logs, cleaning fuels from the forest floor and reducing the likelihood of a future, catastrophic fire that could occur when conditions are extremely dry. The Maple Fire continues to be monitored. Intermittent smoke and possible flames may be visible over the next few weeks, as the fire will continue to creep and smolder through dense duff and large logs.

What’s Open:

• All entrances to Yellowstone National Park are open.
• Park visitor centers, concession-operated services, and businesses in surrounding communities are open.
• The road into Slough Creek is open for the first half mile only (to the gravel pit) for fishing access.
• Mount Holmes, Grizzly Lake, Winter Creek, and Trilobite Lake trails are outside the closure area for the Maple Fire. However, these trailheads remain closed due to road construction. Contact the Backcountry Office at 307-344-2160 for information on accessing these trails.
• The Barn’s Hole Road and all park pullouts along the Madison River/West Entrance Road are open.

What’s Closed:

• Slough Creek Campground and trails are closed due to the Buffalo Fire.
• The Mary Mountain Trail is closed due to the Central Fire.
• Visit the links below for the full list and maps of current backcountry campsite, trail, and road closures.

Fire Danger remains HIGH. Campfires are only allowed in provided rock or metal fire rings, grills, barbecues, or grates in the 11 developed campgrounds and some backcountry campsites. Visit the links below for additional details.

Park Fire Information: http://go.nps.gov/YellowstoneFire
Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/5382/
Fire Information: 307-344-7102, ynpfires2016@gmail.com
Year-Round Yellowstone Road Conditions: 307-344-2117
Fire Map: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/management/currentfireactivity.htm
For information on today’s air quality, visit http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/