Yellowstone Fire Update For 10:00 a.m. September 15, 2012
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Cygnet Fire Perimeter, Sept 15, 2012
NPS
National Park Service Yellowstone National Park Al Nash or Dan Hottle -------------------------------------------------------------- September 15, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. Summary: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Yellowstone National Park until midnight Saturday. Very low relative humidity, gusty west winds and warm temperatures combining with very dry fuels will produce optimum conditions for rapid fire spread. Increased fire and smoke activity is expected on the Cygnet and Dewdrop fires burning in the central portion of the park. These conditions will prevail until a cold front moves through the region early Sunday morning, which will bring cooler temps and possibly some much needed moisture. Cygnet Fire: Under Red Flag conditions, open flames and heavy smoke activity will likely be seen along the Norris to Canyon road where this 2,800 acre, lightning-caused fire is burning. A section of the backcountry south of the road corridor remains closed, and trails to the north have also been temporarily closed today. Increased fire and/or smoke activity could also result in a temporary road closure with little notice. Located 5 miles southwest of Canyon Village, the Cygnet Fire was discovered on August 10. Dewdrop Fire: This lightning-caused fire is in the backcountry, 9 miles southeast of Canyon Village. It is estimated at 1,200 acres. Some backcountry closures remain in effect. Range Fire: This 400 acre backcountry fire is located 8.5 miles southwest of Tower Fall, though little activity has been seen in the past few days. Like the Dewdrop Fire, this lightning caused fire was discovered in late July. Other fires and smoke: In addition to the smoke from park fires, smoke drifting into the park from fires across the region may also be visible at times. Weather: Stronger winds, lower humidity and warmer temps will keep Yellowstone under a Red Flag Warning until midnight tonight. A cold front is forecast to move in overnight and early Sunday, bringing a return to seasonal temps, higher humidities, and even a slight chance of rain for Yellowstone. Fire Restrictions: There are no fire restrictions in the park. However, visitors are encouraged to be careful with fire. Impacts to visitors and area residents: All roads leading to the park and all park entrances, roads, campgrounds, lodging, stores and other visitor services are open. Backcountry closure details are available at any park Visitor Center or Backcountry Office. Backcountry information can also be obtained by calling 307-344-2160. Additional Information: Fire information is available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2580, on the web at http://www.inciweb.org/unit/5382/, or on Twitter @YellowstoneNPS. - www.nps.gov/yell - Follow YellowstoneNPS on YouTube Facebook Twitter Flickr |
Did You Know?
At peak summer levels, 3,500 employees work for Yellowstone National Park concessioners and about 800 work for the National Park Service.