For Immediate Release

Fire Facts

Date Started: July 29, 2001
Cause of Ignition: Lightning
Location: 1 mi. east of Sylvan Pass to East Entrance of Yellowstone NP

Size:  2800 acres; 5 miles long and 2 miles wide
Percent Contained:  15%
Estimated Time of Containment:  Unknown 

Number of Personnel:  709 total.
Aircraft:  13 helicopters, 2 air tankers
Equipment:  11Engines, 2 Bulldozers.

Cost to date:  approximately $2.1 million

WEATHER AIDS FIRE SUPPRESSION OF ARTHUR FIRE

Yellowstone National Park, WY –  Fire crews made progress along the northwest and southwest flanks of the Arthur Fire in Yellowstone National Park on Friday, aided by a light afternoon shower over most of the fire.  Earlier in the day, fixed wing aircraft dropped retardant to delay the spread of spots above Canfield Creek and along the eastern portion of the fire that had spotted into the adjacent Shoshone National Forest on Thursday.  Officials from the Interagency Fire Management Team plan to take advantage of the moisture to make additional gains in controlling the Arthur Fire, over the next several days.

90 residents, business owners and concerned citizens who may be potentially affected if the fire continues to progress eastward outside of the park, attended a meeting held at the Pahaska Teepee Lodge Friday evening.  The meeting allowed officials from the Interagency Fire Management Team to answer questions from members of the community.  A Population Protection Plan was also presented which outlined actions that would be taken to evacuate portions of the community east of Yellowstone if it becomes necessary.  The Population Protection Plan is a precautionary measure and does not mean that these communities are in immediate threat.  Residents and businesses in the area were also given information on preventative measures they can take to reduce the risks to their property in the case of future wildland fires. 

Today’s Fire Activity

Heavy cloud cover over much of the fire today contributed to lower temperatures, higher humidities, and more moderate winds across the six-day old blaze.  By mid-afternoon a series of small storm cells drifted over the fire and some, but not all, portions of the fire received some precipitation.  Still, the fire grew by an estimated 500 acres by early evening to its present size of 2,800 acres.  Several lightening strikes were observed from vantage points around the fire and across Yellowstone National Park.  Initial attack forces responded to one new fire start as a result of lightening in the Columbine Creek area of the park near the northeast entrance.  This fire was contained at less than one acre. Over the next few days Fire officials will be on the lookout for new fires that may result from the lightning strikes today.

Tomorrow’s Events

On Saturday, fire crews hope to take advantage of another favorable weather day and will focus on constructing and improving firelines along the western half of the fire.  Other crews will line and secure spots above Canfield Creek on the southeast corner of the fire and spots threatening the East Entrance road.  Structural protection preparation will continue outside the park from the East Entrance to Fishhawk Creek.

Closures

The East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and the road from the East Entrance to Fishing Bridge are temporarily closed to all public travel. The route is currently unsafe for public travel due to fire activity near the road, heavy firefighter traffic, and helicopter operations in the area. The road will be reopened when the safety of the public and firefighters can be assured. No date has been projected for the opening. Advance notice will be broadcast by the media before the road reopens.