Extended hot and dry weather and ongoing wildfire activity has prompted Yellowstone National Park to implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective at noon Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include:
* Charcoal or wood fires of any sort that may produce ash or embers are prohibited at the park's backcountry campsites, 11 developed campgrounds, day-use picnic areas, and employee residential areas.
* Smoking is not permitted except in an enclosed vehicle, single-family dwelling, developed campground, day-use picnic area, or within a three foot diameter area that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. Smoking is prohibited in the backcountry, except immediately adjacent to the provided fire ring or in the aforementioned barren or cleared area.
* Employees, concessionaires, permittees, contractors, and persons operating within the park who are engaging in spark-producing activities including, but not limited to, road side mowing, welding, grinding, blasting, powersaw, or heavy equipment operation in any area that is not barren or cleared at least 10 feet in diameter of all burnable vegetation shall consult with the Fire Management Office (307-344-2182) prior to starting their project to ensure adequate wildfire prevention measures are being taken. One round-point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A, and a patrol of the work area for one hour after activities have ceased are recommended wildfire prevention measures.
* All internal and external combustion engines must have a spark-arresting device in effective working order.
Permitted
* Stoves and lanterns that use pressurized liquid, jellied petroleum, or gas fuel, and fully enclosed, sheep-herder type stoves with a 1/4 inch spark-arrestor screen are permitted parkwide in areas which are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
Closures
* Four large fires are burning in the park. Closures are in place due to the fires. New closures may be needed to ensure public safety. The closures will be opened as threats decrease.
* During periods of extreme fire danger or incidents, areas of the park will be closed to help eliminate the potential for a human-caused wildfire.
In addition, the following general restrictions are never permitted in Yellowstone National Park:
* Discharge of fireworks or firearms
* Use of explosives or pyrotechnic devices
* Abandoning or failing to attend a campfire
* Driving a vehicle off-road
* Smoking in all thermal areas and all posted and designated areas such as trails
* Wood fires at the Fishing Bridge RV Park, Shoshone Lake backcountry campsites or any backcountry campsite without a provided rock or metal fire ring.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions were implemented on August 8, 2016 and still apply.
Fire restrictions are designed to protect people, property and the area’s natural resources.
Temporary restrictions will remain in place until further notice, and may be increased or reduced at any time due to changes in weather and fire danger.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
