Maple And Buffalo Fires Grow After Bout Of Favorable Fire Weather

Fire activity was up markedly in Yellowstone yesterday, although rain overnight checked further growth.

In spite of this, fire activity is expected to quell somewhat, owing to cooling temperatures and activity from Yellowstone’s fire crews. Some fires grew significantly since our report yesterday, however.

According to a Yellowstone press release, rain also tamped down on smoke in the Park. Air quality is expected to be good today and tomorrow. See the full forecast below.

Yellowstone’s South Entrance remains closed due to activity from the Berry Fire in Grand Teton National Park. At this time, it is not known when the entrance will reopen.

A fire meeting has been scheduled at the LDS Church, 245 Faithful Street, West Yellowstone, MT at 7:30 p.m. today.

According to a Yellowstone press release, Maple Fire grew to 43,490 acres yesterday (a growth of 1,090 acres). In a spot of good news, crews have completed burnout operations along the west side of the fire. All the closures announced along the Madison River, including Bakers Hole, have been lifted. Crews will actively monitor Maple Fire today.

Meanwhile, to the north, crews report Buffalo Fire has grown significantly. At this time, however, there is no updated acreage. Buffalo’s acreage has been reported as 10,839 acres; a mapping flight will occur later today. You can see Buffalo Fire from the Mount Washburn Fire Lookout – Northeast Webcam.

Fawn Fire grew eight acres yesterday and now measures 2,694 acres. It continues to be unstaffed and will be monitored from the air.

Central Fire, meanwhile, is an estimated 1,399 acres; a mapping flight will be conducted later today to gauge Central Fire’s growth. It is unstaffed and continues to be monitored from the air. You can see it from time to time on the Mount Washburn Fire Lookout – South Webcam.

Finally, Jasper Fire still measures 0.1 acres, is unstaffed, and continues to be monitored from the air.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are still in place for Yellowstone National Park.

Yesterday, construction began on a stretch of road between Mammoth and Norris Geyser Basin; it will remain closed until October 7, 2016. Otherwise, all park roads and visitor facilities not affected by seasonal closures, both NPS- and concessionaire-operated, are open at this time.