West Thumb Geyser Basin Area In Yellowstone NP Closed Due To Hazardous Conditions

An area on the south side of Yellowstone National Park along Yellowstone Lake has been closed due to hazardous conditions.

Last week there was a report of smoke coming from a small building near the bookstore in the West Thumb Geyser Basin area.

The building houses a solar battery energy storage system.

When fire crews arrived, they found smoke but no fire in the area.

Battery fumes were detected which can be corrosive and hazardous when inhaled.

As a precaution, the area has been closed until the batteries have been fully discharged and fumes have dissipated the area.

The area is being monitored and will be reopened when park crews determine the area is safe.