Cool, wet weather put a hold on the Yellowstone National Park Lone Star Fire growth, but warmer, drier weather in the upcoming week should give it ample fuel for a future spread.
As of now the Lone Star Fire is estimated at 3,346 acres–the same size as was estimated two days ago. Still, despite the cold and wet weather in Yellowstone the past few days, the forecast is not good: warmer daytime temps and drier air will do nothing to stop any active areas, while cooler temps at night will kill vegetation, drying it out and turning it into instant kindling. The forecast calls for daily highs in the upper 60s and low 70s, with lows in the mid- to lower 30s, per weather.com, with the only chance of precipitation forecast for early next week.
According to a Yellowstone press release, firefighters will continue cutting trees and heavy vegetation around the Old Faithful area to protect power lines, historic building, and communication equipment. These efforts will protect the Old Faithful area if Lone Star Fire shifts suddenly or another wildfire threatens it in the future.
A map of closures can be seen below. Click here for a larger version.
Photo via InciWeb, from September 6, as small stands of trees torch. By Paul Swenson, Operations Section Chief.
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