Yellowstone Insider Your Complete Guide to America's First National Park
Bacon Rind Fire expansion is now at 393 acres, as crews may be deployed to engage the fire if it gets close enough to Highway 191 and private residences in the area.
Now across the western boundary of Yellowstone National Park 20 miles south of Big Sky, the Bacon Rind Fire expansion has slowed thanks to geography, including green meadows in the area. The majority of the burn is in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, with a small portion in Yellowstone. Visitors are able to see smoke from the Bacon Rind Fire from Highway 191, near mile marker 42 (twenty miles south of Big Sky), between Bacon Rind and Snowslide Creeks. The fire is two miles west of Highway 191.
However, there are some fears a Bacon Rind Fire expansion could reach Highway 191 or private residences in the area. So far fire officials from the Custer Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park have held off with any direct engagements with the fire, but that could change if it continues a slow crawl eastward. There’s no rain in the forecast: just seasonably mild temperatures and low humidity. Great for hiking; not great for stopping wildfire expansion.
There are two 20 person crews assigned to the fire, as well as two light helicopters. Falling snags continue to be a significant safety concern for firefighters.
Remember: the fire danger in Yellowstone National Park is currently pegged as high. There are no fire restrictions in the park, but officials are recommended plenty of care with campfires. Campfires are only permitted in fire rings at campgrounds and some backcountry campsites. Campfires must be extinguished and cold to touch after use.
Image courtesy InciWeb.
RELATED STORIES: Yellowstone Fire Danger Upgraded to High; New Fire Emerges; Bacon Rind Fire Expands to 340 Acres, Now in Yellowstone
