Lehardy Fire Update Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Incident: Lehardy Wildland Fire
Released: 8/6/2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - 9 a.m.
Estimated Size: 8,500 acres Started: July 30, 2008
Estimated Containment: 5% Cause: Powerline
Estimated Costs to Date: $735,000
Overview: This summer the 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. As part of the fire suppression strategy, fire managers are focusing on confining the fire and protecting specific values at risk, such as remote patrol cabins, where the fire is burning in the back country east of the Yellowstone River. 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.
Tuesday's Activities: Fire crews finished mopping up and backhauling equipment on the west side of the Grand Loop Road. East of Yellowstone River, the fire remained active, with single and group tree torching and short duration crown runs. Firefighters conducted a burnout operation mid- day, and continued holding and patrolling the fire. Helicopters conducted backhaul operations, reconnaissance flights, and dropped buckets of water on hot spots.
Wednesday's Activities: Firefighters will continue to patrol the west side of Grand Loop Road. Crews working east of the Yellowstone River will use helicopters and hoselay to anchor the fire into Sulphur Hills and secure hotspots along the river in the LeHardy Rapids area. Crews will
continue to grid and patrol along the southern perimeter. Firefighters are also prepared for initial attack for any new fires if needed. Structural protection crews will be testing water pumps and checking sprinkler systems behind the back side of structures in the Fishing Bridge retail area and the water treatment area. This activity is precautionary only.
Smoke: 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 near the active burn area.
Wednesday's Weather: Temperatures in the mid- upper 70s. Minimum relative humidity will range from 19- 23%, up slightly from yesterday. Light winds, below ten miles per hour are expected, with possible guests in the teens in the afternoon. East winds in the morning will shift to the southeast in the afternoon. There is about a 20% chance of thunderstorms this afternoon, which are typically associated with strong, gusty winds.
Current Resources: 4 helicopters, 3 engines, 1 water tender, and 112 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.
