Posted: Sep 27, 2011 4:26 PM by KBZK Media Center with information from Yellowstone National Park
A new lightning-caused fire was discovered in Yellowstone National Park on Monday by the Mt. Washburn lookout station, bringing the total number of wildland fires that have burned in Yellowstone National Park to 21 this year.
The three-acre Headwaters Fire, burning about six miles south of Old Faithful, will be suppressed by Yellowstone and Gallatin National Forest crews supported by helicopter bucket work due to its proximity to the Shoshone Lake Trail and the red flag fire danger conditions that are predicted for the next few days, the park said in a news release.
There has been little fire activity in the remaining five fires in the Heart Complex. Those fires are now being handled separately, and they are expected to be declared out only after a significant fire season-ending weather event, such as extended days of rain or snow.
With the exception of the Point Fire, which has reached about 1,800 acres, and the 24-acre Gibbon Fire, the remaining fires were each less than two acres. All are being managed to allow natural processes to occur.
All park entrances, roads and services are open, and none of these fires pose a threat to park visitors. However, when actively burning, smoke from any of these fires may be visible from park roadways. Visitors are encouraged to be careful with campfires, grills, camp stoves and smoking materials.
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