EBS STAFF
In 1988, more than 25,000 firefighters responded as a series of fires torched 1.2 million acres in Yellowstone National Park and extended beyond park boundaries. Nearly four decades later, a new interactive audio tour brings visitors through the “fear, uncertainty and chaos” as they drive past scars of the historic burn.
A press release from the Greater Yellowstone Fire Action Network described the new audio tour, “Follow the Flames,” which uses drivers’ GPS coordinates to tell place-based stories about what happened, what was learned, and how new life emerged from the flames.
“Record-breaking hot temperatures, dry conditions and high winds produced unprecedented—and largely uncontrollable—forest fires in the world’s first national park,” the release stated. “… [Through] 10 unique stories, including firsthand accounts from firefighters and witnesses, you will see this remarkable place with a new perspective.”
The series of audio stories totals roughly one hour, with most stories lasting roughly three minutes. Chapters include “Yellowstone Ablaze” as a short introduction, a description of lodgepole pines’ fire adaptation in “Born to Burn,” and efforts to save the Old Faithful Inn described in “Tourists and Close Calls.”
“This tour takes you back in time to imagine what Yellowstone was like during the terrifying summer of 1988. With firsthand accounts from firefighters and witnesses, you’ll learn why Yellowstone burned and how it felt to be on the front lines of those raging fires,” the website states.
For GPS compatibility, drivers must download the TravelStorysGPS smartphone app.
For those unable to visit the park and drive along the route—from the park’s West Entrance, past Old Faithful to the West Thumb area—the stories are still available online. Written transcripts are included for audio-impaired visitors.
The series was produced by GYFAN with support from The Nature Conservancy.
