Fires are detected in Yellowstone National Park in a variety of ways.

The Park employs three Lookouts every season. They are stationed in the three historical lookouts positioned on three peaks throughout the park during the fire season, Mt. Washburn, Mt. Holmes, and Mt. Sheridan.

During times of high fire danger, the park contracts a fixed wing or small aircraft with an aerial observer on board to fly over the park looking for smokes and monitoring going fires.

The park also receives reports from visitors and park employees and neighboring forests.