Yellowstone fire danger raised to Very High

According to park officials, the parkwide wildland fire danger for Yellowstone National Park has been set to VERY HIGH.

Currently, there are no active wildland fires in the park and the park has no current fire restrictions.  

Park officials are reminding visitors that campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.

Park rangers are also reminding visitors that all campfires must be cold to the touch before abandoning. It is a best practice to  soak the fire in water, stir the fire with a stick, feel the ashes and burnt wood for warmth and repeat the procedure. 

According to the National Park Service, there were nine fires in Yellowstone in 2019. Seven were caused by lightning, while one was caused by humans, one fire was caused by unknown sources. The largest fire in the park during 2019, was the Brimstone Fire at 217 acres.

So far, in 2020, there have been two fires in Yellowstone, both fires are out and have been monitored. Both fires were caused by lightning and both burned under one acre.