On Monday, May 26, hikers detected the first confirmed wildland fire of the season inside Yellowstone National Park about .75 miles southeast of the Bighorn Pass Trailhead off Highway 191.
The fire only grew to about 0.1 acres and is believed to have been caused by lightning. It’s burning in a mixed conifer forest in the northwest corner of the park. Wildland firefighters were actively suppressing the creeping ground fire and it is now controlled.
The fire danger level throughout Yellowstone is currently LOW and tehre are no fire restrictions in place or planned in the park. That said, campfires are still only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
Fires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch before left behind. Remember the saying “soak, stir, feel, repeat.”
The Greater Yellowstone ecosystem is fire-adapted, meaning fire plays and important role in maintaining the area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation. Information on current fire activity in Yellowstone National Park is available here.
