Yellowstone Insider Your Complete Guide to America's First National Park
Still no Lone Star Fire growth in the past few days, but Yellowstone National Park officials expect to see some with warmer temperatures and drier conditions.
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 upper 30s, per weather.com, with the only chance of precipitation forecast for early next week.
Even though the Lone Star Fire is moving away from developed areas, there are a few issues addressed by firefighters. According to a Yellowstone press release, firefighters will continue to cut trees and heavy vegetation around the Old Faithful area to protect power lines, historic buildings, and communication equipment. These efforts will help protect the Old Faithful area if this, or any other wildfires, threaten it in the future.
The second issue: travelers could be inconvenienced by a closure of the Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb Junction. This could happen with no warning.
A map of closures can be seen below. Click here for a larger version.
Photo: Smoke plumes dwarf mature lodgepole pines along Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb on Sunday, September 6. By Ron Steffens, Incident Commander.
RELATED STORIES: No recent Lone Star Fire spread, but that should change; Lone Star Fire expansion now at an estimated 3,346 acres; Lone Star Fire widens after hitting mature growth; After stall, Lone Star Fire growing; Weather impacts Lone Star Fire status; No growth in Lone Star Fire territory; Gusty winds fuel Lone Star Fire spread; Lone Star Fire now at 850 acres; Storms stymie Lone Star Fire spread; Lone Star Fire grows to 821 acres; Lone Star Fire growth: Almost 800 acres; Lone Star Fire closes Grand Loop Road near Old Faithful
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