Arnica Fire in Yellowstone National Park Now Covering Estimated 1,200 Acres

A lightning-sparked fire in Yellowstone National Park is now covering an estimated 1,200 acres and is impacting traffic flows in the park.

The Arnica Fire, named after a creek west of Yellowstone Lake, burned to within a quarter-mile of the Grand Loop Road between Bridge Bay and West Thumb on Friday afternoon, forcing the temporary closure of the road there. However, the road later was reopened, although park officials say other road closures could be required for safety reasons.

The fire, which is located five miles west of the Bridge Bay Campground, has been moving south through a thick lodgepole pine forest, according to park officials. It is expected to continue to grow later today as burn conditions improve, they add.

Visitors can get the latest on fire conditions by calling the park's 24-hour road information line at 307-344-2117, or the fire information line at 307-344-2580.

In addition to possible road closures, smoke and flames at times are visible from the Grand Loop Road. If you're visiting Yellowstone, you're urged to check at park visitor centers or backcountry offices for the current status of hiking trails and backcountry campsites in the area. No facilities have closed at this time due to fire activity.

Firefighting tactics for the next 24 hours include using aviation assets (Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters) to drop water on aspects of the fire in order to minimize further impacts to road and power line
corridors. In anticipation of wind shift back to typical prevailing directions (SSW), firefighters will be implementing additional structure protection in the Bridge Bay area utilizing irrigation systems to protect structures.