I was gone for about a week, looking BLM and Forest Service grazing allotments, and other things far better (congratulations on your marriage “BE”!).
In the meantime, a large fire broke out near Horse Butte, threatened many homes and structures and the town of West Yellowstone. That fire is now contained at close to 4000 acres. Story by the Associated Press.
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 past President of the Western Watersheds Project and the creator of The Wildlife News.
This fire was “contained” at 100% as of three hours ago though there is still a StageI/II restiction patchwork throughout the entire Gallatin NF.
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/maps/large/735/0/
Most evacuees are now returned to their lodgings.
Consequently, the fireworks display for the town of West Yellowstone have been cancelled, no fireworks of any kind are allowed at this time. Kind of a serious holiday atmosphere.