Gusting winds, low humidity levels, and warm temperatures are combining to push wildfires in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks in Wyoming across more and more acreage, with one fire in Yellowstone approaching 23,000 acres in size. None of the fires was threatening structures or impacting visitors, according to park officials.
The Maple Fire in Yellowstone was measured at 22,448 acres going into Monday, and with the trifecta of "red flag" conditions in the forecast the acreage was expected to grow, possibly substantially. On Sunday it grew by more than 6,200 acres, according to park officials.
The Maple fire remains 4 miles east of the Park's west boundary, and 5 miles northeast of the community of West Yellowstone and 2.8 miles from Madison Junction. It continues to back down the slope near the 7-mile bridge and is one-tenth of a mile from the roadway. It has not crossed the West Entrance road, and firefighters do not anticipate it crossing the road. Contingency plans have been developed, should the fire move westward towards West Yellowstone, and firefighters plan on holding it to the east of the Madison River.
In Grand Teton, the Berry Fire also has grown in size quite a bit, having almost tripled in size since August 17.
"It is now estimated at 1,785 acres, with most of the recent growth on the southeast flank of the fire in the vicinity of Elk Ridge. The fire is now established across the Owl-Berry Cutoff Trail in a mix of dead and downed fuels and live conifers," park officials said Monday. "Smoke from the fire may be visible along roadways in the northern portion of the park, especially from the east side road along Jackson Lake and US Highways 89/191/287. During evening and morning hours, smoke may be present along the Jackson Lake Road. Drivers should use caution when smoke is present on park roadways. Please use headlights and slow your speed."
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