Snake Fire Update
by Yellowstone National Park
August 5, 2013
August 5, 2013 at 9:30 p.m. MDT
Summary
The Snake Fire was discovered shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon, August 5, burning along the boundary between the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Yellowstone National Park, approximately three miles east of Yellowstone’s South Entrance. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Hot, dry conditions prompted rapid growth in heavy timber. The fire was estimated at 200 acres on Monday evening.
Firefighting efforts will be jointly managed by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park.
Tuesday’s Planned Activity
Firefighters will focus their efforts on point protection of values at risk including structure protection of backcountry cabins, developing a more accurate fire perimeter map, collecting fuel samples to aid with development of long term modeling of fire behavior, posting trail closure notices, and helping visitors reroute backcountry trips around closure areas.
Public and firefighter safety is always the first concern and priority. The Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) is a fire adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation. Fires are managed to protect people and property, enhance the area’s natural resources where appropriate, and safely and effectively use available firefighting resources.
Fire Weather
Sunshine, winds from 5-10 miles an hour shifting from the northeast to southwest are forecast for the fire area on Tuesday.
Impacts to visitors and area residents
Some trails and backcountry campsites near Yellowstone’s South Entrance have been temporarily closed. At times a tall smoke column rising above the fire may be seen from locations a long distance away from the fire. However, all roads leading into and through the parks and the forest and all campgrounds, lodging, stores, and visitor services are open. The fire poses no threat to visitors or area residents.
Additional information
The next fire update will be prepared and distributed by noon Tuesday, August 6. Updates will be posted online at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov.
Contacts:
Bridger-Teton National Forest – Mary Cernicek 307-739-5564
Grand Teton National Park – Traci Weaver 307-739-3692
Yellowstone National Park – Al Nash or Dan Hottle 307-344-2015
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