Media Advisory: Norris Prescribed Burn Set for Monday Morning

Date: September 13, 2007
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2010

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST

September 13, 2007 07-89

Al Nash  [phone]

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK MEDIA ADVISORY

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NORRIS PRESCRIBED BURN SET FOR MONDAY MORNING

WHAT:
The National Park Service is planning to conduct a 65-acre prescribed burn southeast of Norris Junction. The burn is designed to remove accumulated dead plant material under controlled conditions in order to reduce the threat of a wildland fire to the Norris developed area.

A burn plan called a prescription has been prepared, reviewed and approved by numerous fire experts and National Park Service administrators, which takes into account a variety of environmental factors while emphasizing the safety of park visitors, employees, and firefighters.

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.

WHEN:
Monday, September 17, 2007
Media Briefing at 9:30 a.m.; Ignition set to take place at or after 10:00 a.m. once prescription conditions are met

WHO:
This prescribed burn will be executed by specially trained and equipped wildland firefighters under the direct supervision of experienced fire officers with advanced training

WHERE:
Meet at the large pullout on the east side of the Grand Loop Road south of the turnoff for Norris Campground and north of Norris Junction

PHOTO OPS:
Firefighters on the ground using drip torches along the fire perimeter.

Ground fire, smoke, possible single tree torching may be observed. A crown fire is not anticipated.

Firefighters using hand tools, pumps, hose, and fire engines on the fire line

Interviews with fire managers

ACCESS:
Reporters and photographers will be provided escorted fire line access along the shoulder of the road south and east of Norris Junction. Nomex clothing, high leather boots, hard hats, and fire shelters will not be required. Comfortable footwear and outdoor clothing suited for 40-65 degree temperatures and a chance of rain or snow showers is advised.

Escorted access to other sections of the fire line will require wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as outlined in www.nifc.gov/red_book/2007/Chapter07.pdf. Some PPE may be available for short-term loan if arrangements are made prior to 4:00 p.m. Friday, September 14, by calling 307-344-2013. Media representatives must provide their own 8-inch high, all-leather boots.

NOTE:
Decisions to carry out prescribed fires are based on predicted optimum fuel and weather conditions. A test burn will be conducted Sunday afternoon, September 16 to determine whether to conduct the prescribed burn Monday morning. Call 307-344-2010 after 6:00 p.m. on Sunday for recorded, updated information.

-www.nps.gov/yell -