Yellowstone National Park is announcing that the fire danger level has been raised from moderate to high.
After temperatures have swelled into the mid-90s and precipitation sparse, officials say the ground is dry and tinder-like conditions are prevalent in the park.
Even though there are no current fires in the park, park officials are urging visitors to be aware and vigilant when it comes to fires.
The park’s standard rules for fires state that campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and campsites, and that campfires must always be attended and cold to the touch before being abandoned. Park officials say when extinguishing a camp fire, soak it with water, stir the remaining wood and ashes, feel it as it should be cold to the touch, and repeat the process to insure the fire is totally extinguished.
The park saw its first wildland fire of the year on Sunday, June 9. The Milepost 17 fire, which was ignited by a lightning strike, is was brought under control, according to the park.
Officials encourage anyone visiting the park should be informed about current fire activity in Yellowstone.
Fire Facts in Yellowstone’s history:
- In 2023, 0.9 acres burned from 5 known wildfire starts. All were lightning caused and were suppressed due to hazardous conditions.
- Since 1972 when reliable fire records began, the park has averaged 24 fires, and 5,466 acres burned per year. The number of fires has ranged from 5 to 78 each year, and acres burned has ranged from 1 to 793,880 each year.
- The most active fire year since 1988 was 2016, with 70,285 acres in Yellowstone burned.
- In Yellowstone, approximately 78% of fires are caused by lightning, and 22% are human-caused.
- During the last 30 years (1994–2023), Yellowstone has averaged fewer fires per year, but more acres burned per year, than in previous decades.
- About 76% of fires in Yellowstone never reach more than 0.1 hectares (0.25 acres) in size.
- About 92% of fires in Yellowstone never burn more than 40 hectares (100 acres).
