Smoke from Lone Star Fire temporarily closes road in Yellowstone National Park

A lightning-ignited wildfire was reported on Saturday, August 22, at 5:15 p.m. about 3 miles south of Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.

In a press release from the Office of Strategic Communications, Yellowstone National Park, officials said as of Saturday evening, the fire was estimated at 300 acres and not burning towards Old Faithful. 

Currently, staff are implementing protection measures for the Old Faithful area in the event the fire moves in that direction. 

Resources have been ordered and are expected to arrive today, August 24, to assist with the fire.

The road between Old Faithful and West Thumb is closed temporarily due to smoke from the Lone Star Fire. Visitors can only access Old Faithful from the north. View a road map at go.nps.gov/YELLRoads.  

According to park officials, lightning activity has been heavy throughout the park this past week and fire danger is very high.  

Campfires in the backcountry are .

No photos of the fire are available at this time.  

Additional back-country campsite and trail closures around Shoshone Lake and Lone Star Geyser are in effect. 

For up-to-date road information visit go.nps.gov/YellRoads, call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message, or sign up to receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777.