Date: August 31, 2007
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2010
Contact: Stacy Vallie, 307-344-2012
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2007 07-86
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2010 or 344-2012
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
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Yellowstone Plans Prescribed Burn To Reduce Fire Threat At Norris
In an effort to protect the Norris area of Yellowstone National Park from the threat of an uncontrolled wildland fire, the National Park Service is preparing to conduct a prescribed burn in early September.
The Norris developed area contains several historic structures, a campground, and employee residences.
A carefully planned and closely monitored fire can remove accumulated dead plant material under controlled conditions; significantly reducing the threat of a wildland fire.
Prescribed burns also promote the healthy growth of native plants, which supports the variety and abundance of animals and birds found in these natural areas.
A burn plan called a prescription must be prepared, reviewed and approved by numerous fire experts and National Park Service administrators before any prescribed fire is conducted. This plan takes into account a variety of environmental factors while emphasizing the safety of park visitors, employees, and firefighters.
If conditions allow, firefighters will burn a 65-acre area southeast of the Norris Junction sometime between September 5 and September 15. This prescribed burn will be executed by specially trained and equipped wildland firefighters under the direct supervision of experienced fire officers with advanced training.
Because decisions to carry out prescribed fires are based on predicted optimum weather conditions and take into account the current wildland fire situation in and near the park; prescribed burns are scheduled only twenty-four hours in advance.
Every effort is made to limit the short-term inconvenience to park visitors. However, smoky conditions may exist in and near an active burn area. There could also be short-term traffic delays.
- www.nps.gov/yell -
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