Crews contained a fire between the Yellowstone north entrance and the Gardner River, as a human-caused incident affected four acres and stopping traffic from entering the National Park.
The Yellowstone north entrance fire broke out at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26, spreading through the grass and sage between the North Entrance Station and the Gardner River. The fire was contained at approximately four acres, including a half-acre spot fire on the other side of the Gardner River. No buildings were in danger.
Personnel from Yellowstone National Park, the town of Gardiner, and Paradise Valley responded. Wildland fire crews from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service will be in the field today ensuring the fire is completely out.
The North Entrance Road was closed for approximately 90 minutes until the fire was contained. Outbound traffic was still able to exit the park via the Old Gardiner Road.
According to park officials, the fire was human caused and is under investigation. Anyone who was in the area on Friday evening and has information about people using the picnic area near the entrance station is encouraged to call the park’s 24-hour Tip Line at 307-344-2132. Callers can remain anonymous.
It’s been a quiet fire season in Yellowstone. The 7 Mile Hole Fire, located three miles east of Canyon Village, is still reported as being active, though limited to a tenth of an acre. Meanwhile, a small fire near Sour Creek, caused by lightning, has already burned out and impacted a tenth of an acre.
Photo courtesy National Park Service.