Earlier restrictions had been lifted, but renewed hot, dry weather raises probability of fires-
Due to renewed hot, dry weather after a brief rainy and cooler respite, Yellowstone Park has done the following.
Closures: Astringent Creek Trail at the junction of the Lower Pelican Creek Trail.
– Upper Pelican Creek Trail at the junction of the Lower Pelican Creek Trail.
– Wapiti Lake Trail East of campsite site 4M2 to Wapiti Lake.
– Fern Lake Trail
– Backcountry campsites 4B1, 4B2, 4B3, 4B4, 4W2, 4W3, 5B1, 5B2, and 5P7.
Rules regarding campfires and smoking: Campfires are allowed only in established fire grates or fire rings in picnic areas or campgrounds. The use of portable charcoal grills is prohibited.
– Any fire which can produce an ash is prohibited in the backcountry.
– You can use portable stoves and lanterns which use propane, white gas, kerosene, or jellied petroleum for fuel anywhere in the park.
– Smoking is prohibited along all trails and anywhere in the backcountry.
– Smoking is allowed in vehicles and along roads, near buildings, and in developed campgrounds or picnic areas if you are standing in an area at least three feet in diameter where nothing on the ground will burn.
At the present there are 4 active forest fires. They are small compared to what is happening on some national forests in the nearby three state area. The Dewdrop fire at 25 acres is the largest. The others are Shoshone, Camera, Range, and Dewdrop 2. The biggest is only an acre in size.
Here is Yellowstone Park’s official fire page.
Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is President of the Western Watersheds Project.
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