News Release

New remote fire detected in the southeast corner of Yellowstone

Thunderstorm at sunset, Swan Lake Flat

NPS/Neal Herbert

News Release Date: September 22, 2020

Contact: Morgan Warthin, [phone]

• At about 11:45 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2020, a ranger on a backcountry patrol in the Heart Lake area (southeast corner of Yellowstone) detected the new Hancock Fire.
• The 0.1-acre fire is believed to be lightning-ignited, since a strike was seen very close to that location a few days prior.
• The tree that is on fire is smoldering, with no open flame.
• Since the fire has low spread potential and is located in a remote area, several miles from a trail, fire staff will monitor it and will not take direct action.
• There are no closures in the area. Campsites and trails remain open.
• The Lone Star Fire continues to burn, yet with minimal activity. For more information, visit Current Fire Activity.
• Fire danger in the Yellowstone area remains very high; campfires in the backcountry are not allowed. All residents and visitors can assist fire efforts by following fire restrictions to reduce the potential of additional starts.