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The Yellowstone Grand Loop Road between Canyon Village and Fishing Bridge has been reopened, but fires have forced a partial closure of the Beartooth Highway outside the Park.
Growth in the Alum Fire yesterday caused National Park Service officials to close a 7.5-mile stretch of the road yesterday. That stretch is reopened, but Park officials warn it could close again at any time. Visitors are cautioned to reduce their speed well below the posted speed limits through this section of road and can expect reduced visibility due to low-level smoke across the road.
When temporary closures are effected on this section of road due to the fire, all travel between Canyon Junction and the Fishing Bridge, Lake Village and Bridge Bay area requires a long detour through Old Faithful.
Meanwhile, the Beartooth Highway is open only between Cooke City and Long Lake due to the Rock Creek Fire, burning five miles south of Red Lodge, Montana. Approximately 90 personnel with 20 Type 6 Engines and 2 Bulldozers are working on the fire located 5 miles south of Red Lodge, MT along U.S. Highway 212 near Rock Creek Resort. Fire resources from the Custer National Forest, Red Lodge Rural District 7, adjoining rural fire departments and MT DNRC are on scene. The fire is burning in steep heavily timbered terrain. Two bulldozers have built containment line on north flank of the fire.
A Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team (Pierson) has been ordered for the fire and is expected to arrive today. Additional helicopter air resources have been ordered and heavy air tankers can be called upon if needed.
Image of heavy air tankers dropping fire retardant on Rock Creek Fire courtesy Custer National Forest.
