Posted: Aug 29, 2011 3:11 PM by Yellowstone Park News Service
Updated: Aug 29, 2011 4:00 PM
There are seven small wildland fires burning in Yellowstone Park's backcountry.
The latest is the half acre Ouzel lightning-caused fire that started Saturday afternoon in the park 17 miles southwest of Old Faithful.
All but one of the fires in the Heart Complex are less than an acre in size, and all are being managed to allow natural processes to occur to enhance the area's natural resources, to protect people and property, and to effectively use available firefighting resources.
Heart Fire. 0.1 acres, burning a half mile north of Heart Lake in the south central portion of the park.
Sour Fire. 0.1 acres, burning east of Canyon Village on the Mirror Plateau.
Point Fire. 0.1 acres, burning on the eastern shore of Yellowstone Lake.
Huckleberry Fire. 0.1 acres, burning two miles from the southern boundary
of the park.
Gibbon Fire. 14 acres, burning three miles southeast of Madison Junction.
The Prospect Fire was suppressed yesterday using three Yellowstone wildland firefighters supported by helicopter bucket work because of its proximity to Tower Fall store and campground. It is currently in controlled status.
Other than limited temporary closures of some backcountry campsites and hiking trails, all park entrances, roads and services are open. None of these fires pose a threat to park visitors.
The fire danger rating in Yellowstone is currently "Very High." Visitors are encouraged to be careful with campfires, grills, camp stoves and smoking materials. There have been 15 fires reported in Yellowstone this year.
The latest information on backcountry access is available by contacting Backcountry Offices throughout the park or by calling 307-344-2160 during normal business hours, seven days a week. When actively burning, smoke from any of these fires may be visible from park roadways. Updated information is available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2580.
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