Fires burning in both Parks and BTNF
Fire danger raised back to High
August 12, 2007
Several wildfires are burning in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. New fires began on Thursday evening, August 9, due to lightning.
Columbine Fire: This fire was caused by lightning and is burning southwest of Sylvan Pass and the park’s East Entrance road. It started just before dark Thursday evening. Warm temperatures and high, gusty winds resulted in very active fire behavior. It escaped firefighters’ initial attack efforts and by late afternoon had pushed four miles up the Columbine Creek drainage. It grew to over 1,000 acres in less than 24 hours between Thursday and Friday and sent dense smoke pouring over the area around Cody. Firefighters have resumed their efforts to suppress the fire this morning. They will work to slow the fire’s advance, while more firefighters and equipment arrive to help contain the fire.
All visitor services, park entrances and park roads are open. Road updates are available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.
Emma Fire: Located between Two Ocean and Emma Matilda Lakes in Grand Teton National Park. This likely began as a result of a thunderstorm that passed through the area earlier in the day on Thursday, and is burning in a mixed conifer forest. It was 3 acres in size and minimally contained as of Friday morning. No structures are threatened at this time by the Emma Fire, but temporary trail closures are in effect. Trails have been closed in the immediate area around the fire, between Two Ocean and Emma Matilda Lakes, until the fire is contained.
Hardscrabble Fire: Located approximately 6 miles south of Togwotee Pass in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This is being treated as a suppression fire with smokejumpers, ground crews and helicopters working the blaze.
The current fire danger rating has been increased to High for both Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest due to warmer temperatures and dryer conditions.
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