Fire South of Old Faithful Closes Grand Loop Road

Above, Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Wildfires have been breaking out throughout the western United States, many of them have been caused by lightning igniting dry brush.

One such fire is about 3 miles from Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park.

According to the Jackson Hole News & Guide:

Smoke from the Lone Star Fire, ignited this weekend by lightning in Yellowstone National Park, has closed the Grand Loop Road to traffic. 

The fire was reported around 5:15 p.m. Saturday about 3 miles south of Old Faithful geyser. It’s estimated at 300 acres and at this time is not burning directly toward the complex of buildings at Old Faithful.

Park Service staffers are implementing protection measures for the Old Faithful area in case the fire moves that way, and resources have been ordered, according to a release sent Sunday morning by the park’s public communications department. 

The Grand Loop Road is closed between Kepler Cascades and West Thumb. The Lone Star Geyser trail is closed as well, along with backcountry campsites OA1, OA2 and OA3. The road between Canyon and Tower Junction is also closed this season. 

Lightning has been prevalent throughout the park this week, and fire danger is very high. Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry.

To read more, go here.