Yellowstone Declares Fire Danger “Extreme”

Fire danger in the region has continued to climb as the fire season moves into its traditional peak.  The continued hot, dry conditions and potential for increased fire activity in Yellowstone National Park has prompted park officials to elevate its fire danger rating to “extreme.”  The “extreme” rating is the highest classification for the danger of wildfires and means that fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. As such, all fires are potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the lower danger classes. Direct attack is rarely possible and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition. Among the factors considered in determining an area’s fire danger are current weather conditions, condition of fuels and the availability of firefighting resources.  Meanwhile, fire danger in Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest now has been elevated to “very high.”