Lehardy Fire Update Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Incident: Lehardy Wildfire
Released: 8/5/2008
Yellowstone National Park LeHardy Fire Update
Estimated Size: 7,335 acres Started: July 30, 2008
Estimated Containment: 5% Cause: Powerline
Estimated Costs to Date: $464,000
Overview: This summer National Park Service is one of several federal agencies emphasizing the
use of wildland fire strategies that focus on protecting values at risk. Here in Yellowstone
National Park, the perimeter of the LeHardy Fire in the Fishing Bridge area has been aggressively
suppressed due to its potential impacts on visitors and infrastructure. However where the fire is
burning in the backcountry, east of the Yellowstone River, fire managers are focusing on
confining the fire and protecting specific values at risk, such as remote patrol cabins. The
flexibility of being able to use multiple strategies enables fire managers to put firefighters where
they can do the most good and where they are needed most, while increasing firefighter safety
and reducing costs.
Monday's Activities: Firefighters had a busy day conducting burnout operations to reduce fuel
and increase the fire break between the southern portion of the fire and Fishing Bridge. Small
ignition devices dropped from a helicopter were used to steer the fire in a northeastern direction.
Visitors were able to see the large plume along with some significant torching during the
afternoon. Mop up operations continued on the west side of Grand Loop Road. Crews there
removed debris and cooled hotspots.
Tuesday's Activities: Firefighters will continue to mop- up and patrol on the west side of Grand
Loop Road. Crews there will backhaul and remove hoses and other fire equipment. Crews
working east of the Yellowstone River will secure hotspots along the river and along the southern
portion of the fire. Burnout operations will continue as needed to strengthen the fireline on the
southern flank of the fire. Engine crews may be testing sprinkler systems around the back side of
structures in the Fishing Bridge retail area and the water treatment area. This activity is
precautionary only. The fire has the potential to develop a smoke column visible from the
highway, especially in the afternoon. It may also cause a light haze over areas in and near the
park, or cause smoke to settle at times in low lying areas. Smoky conditions may exist in and near
the active burn area.
Tuesday's Weather: Today's temperatures are predicted to be similar to yesterday, reaching 71-
76 degrees, with minimum relative humidity ranging from 14- 17%, and westerly winds at 10- 15
mph. Westerly winds are predicted for the morning. West winds would assist firefighters in
keeping the fire within firelines. However, afternoon thunderstorms with erratic winds are
possible, which could accelerate fire spread and cause spot fires.
Current Resources: 4 helicopters, 3 engines, 1 water tender, and 97 personnel including 2 crews
Park Status: All park entrances and seasonal visitor services are open. Some back country trails
remain temporarily closed. Information is available at all of the park's back country offices or by
calling 307- 344- 2160.
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
