The lightning-caused Spruce Fire, burning in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park since early September, has grown to an estimated 2,119 acres as of 1:30 pm on Sunday. Crews are actively monitoring the fire by air and from lookout points on Mount Washburn and other locations throughout the park. The Spruce fire is burning in a fire-adapted lodgepole pine forest, approximately ten miles west of Fishing Bridge and two miles south of Hayden Valley in the central portion of Yellowstone. Smoke from the fire has been visible throughout the park and in surrounding communities;however, no facilities, trails, or roads are threatened and there are no closures in place.
The fire continues to play its natural role in the ecosystem and crews are managing it for its benefits to park resources. It is burning in a typical mosaic pattern within the fire's perimeter, with overall fire activity picking up in the afternoon as temperatures rise, relative humidity levels drop, and gusty winds increase. On Sunday, hazy smoke from wildland fires burning in California and parts of Idaho likely played a role in moderating the fire's activity and spread. A change in the weather forecast for Monday calls for cloudier, cooler, and wetter conditions.
A much smaller fire, the 5L4 Fire on the Promontory Peninsula at the south end of Yellowstone Lake, was reported on August 24, is currently 16 acres and not very active. Fire crews are also managing this fire for its benefits to park resources. Backcountry campsites 5L3, 5L4, and 6A1 continue to be closed due to the 5L4 Fire.
The decision on managing each fire in the park is based on a number of factors, including current and predicted conditions, as well as potential values at risk. There have been two additional park fires that have been suppressed in the past week, a human-caused fire in Mammoth Hot Springs on September 10, and a lightning-caused fire near the northwest boundary of the park on September 12.
The fire danger in Yellowstone National Park is currently "High." There are no fire restrictions in place, however, campfires are only allowed in designated grills in park campgrounds, some picnic areas, and specific backcountry campsites.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
No comments:
Post a Comment