A newly discovered fire is burning through the southwestern portion of Yellowstone National Park, according to a park release. The Ash Fire is estimated to be 10 acres in size as of 6 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the park, Yellowstone Helitack crews spotted the fire deep in the Bechler area of the park. โApproximately 25 personnel are currently assigned to the fire. Resources include U.S. Forest Service smokejumpers, park helicopter with crew, Yellowstoneโs Fire Module, Type 3 helicopter, and a heavy helicopter,โ the park stated.
Closures are in effect for the trail and backcountry campsites that dot the woods surrounding the fire. The park advises travelers stay updated on park releases for more information on where they can and cannot go.
Over 500 lightning strikes have impacted the park in the last few weeks, the park said. In July alone, the park has responded to six wildfires. 350 lightning strikes have occurred in the last 24 hours, with this fire likely caused by one of them. The fire danger in Yellowstone is currently high, which means that strict fire prevention policies are in effect. See the parkโs website for more information on safe fire keeping.
