On July 30th, 2025, Yellowstone National Park helitack crews discovered the Ash Fire in the park’s remote Bechler area while conducting an aerial reconnaissance mission. Park staff suspect that one of over 350 lightning strikes recorded in the park over the past 24 hours sparked the fire. It has already spread across more than 10 acres. With swift suppression efforts underway, park officials are urging visitors to stay informed and take precautions as fire danger remains high.
Swift Action to Contain the Ash Fire
Yellowstone’s fire management teams launched immediate suppression efforts upon detection of the Ash Fire. Approximately 25 personnel are working on the fire including smokejumpers with the U.S. Forest Service, a park helicopter with crew, and Yellowstone’s Fire Module. Staff have also deployed a Type 3 helicopter and a heavy helicopter. The Yellowstone Ash Fire has https://unofficialnetworks.com/2025/07/30/missing-person-alert-grand-canyon-national-park-appeals-for-assistance/led to the closure Crews have closedof several trails and backcountry campsites in the southwest corner of the park. Yellowstone National Park encourages visitors to check Yellowstone’s backcountry conditions page for the latest updates on closures and restrictions.
Lightning Fuels Fire Activity in Yellowstone
Over 500 lightning strikes from recent thunderstorms have sparked six wildfires in Yellowstone’s backcountry over the past several weeks, including the Ash Fire. Firefighters have been working tirelessly since early July to stop the growth of all detected wildfires. Part of the growing concern is the Yellowstone Ash Fire, which firefighters have been working tirelessly to control since early July.
High Fire Danger: What It Means for Visitors
Yellowstone National Park’s parkwide fire danger level is currently rated as HIGH. Under these conditions, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and be very challenging to control, especially in dense fuels like mature grassland and forest litter under windy conditions. To prevent human-caused wildfires, the park has implemented strict campfire regulations:
- Visitors may have campfires in designated fire rings at campgrounds and select backcountry campsites only.
- Visitors must attend campfires at all times and fully extinguish them (leave them cold to the touch) before leaving. Follow the “soak, stir, feel, repeat” method to ensure fires are completely out.
Visitors should regularly check Yellowstone’s fire activity page for real-time updates on fire conditions and potential restrictions.
