EBS STAFF
On Wednesday afternoon, July 30, Yellowstone helitack crews on a reconnaissance mission detected a fire in the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, and immediately called for fire suppression efforts.
The Ash Fire in the Bechler area is believed to be lightning-caused—the park received more than 350 lightning strikes in a 24-hour span—and the fire has grown to over 10 acres, according to a press release shared Wednesday evening. Roughly 25 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, including U.S. Forest Service smokejumpers, park helicopter with crew, Yellowstone’s Fire Module, a Type 3 helicopter and heavy helicopter.
The release noted that parkwide fire danger is “HIGH,” and closures to trail and backcountry campsites are in effect near the fire.
“Yellowstone firefighters have responded to multiple wildfires throughout the park since the beginning of July. In recent weeks, over 500 lightning strikes from thunderstorms have resulted in six wildfires in the park’s backcountry. Firefighters have worked diligently to suppress all wildland fires upon detection,” the release stated.
With HIGH fire danger, the release noted fires are likely to start easily and can spread rapidly, potentially becoming uncontrollable if high winds affect flames in areas with heavy, continuous fuel such as mature grassland and forest litter.
Campfires are only allowed within designated fire rings in campgrounds, and some—not all—backcountry campsites. They must be attended to at all times and cold to the touch before abandoned.
