Lehardy Fire Update - Saturday, August 9, 2008 - 9
Incident: Lehardy Wildland Fire
Released: 8/9/2008
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
LeHardy Fire Information
307-344-7102
www.nps.gov/yell or www.inciweb.orgYellowstone National Park LeHardy Fire Update
Friday, August 8, 2008 - 9 a.m.
Estimated Size: 9,332 acres Started: July 30, 2008 Estimated Containment: 5% Cause: Powerline Estimated Costs to Date: $1,146,497
Overview: This summer Yellowstone National Park is using a range of strategies in response to wildfires based on current and predicted risks, values to be protected, and land management objectives. The perimeter of the LeHardy Fire in the Fishing Bridge area has been aggressively suppressed due to its potential impacts to 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, and long-term seismic data monitoring equipment 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. As of today, the cost of managing the LeHardy Fire is approximately $122 per acre.
Friday's Activities: No fire activity was observed west of the Grand Loop Road. Firefighters patrolled and mopped up hotspots east of the Yellowstone River and along the southern perimeter of the fire. Crews were pulled off the line in the afternoon due to a passing thunderstorm that brought up to one half inch of rain on some areas of the fire. In some areas, dense tree canopies blocked precipitation from reaching the ground.
Saturday's Activities: Firefighters will monitor the inactive portion of the fire area west of the Grand Loop Road. East of the Yellowstone River and along the south perimeter of the fire, firefighters will continue to patrol and mop-up hotspots to secure the line perimeter. Firefighters will be working on the inactive area of the fire to restore areas cleared as fireline to their natural condition. Helicopters will support firefighters as needed and backhaul equipment from the back country. Decontamination of buckets used for helicopter water drops will take place to prevent the spread of Whirling disease. Some resources assigned to the fire will begin the demobilization process, due to minimal fire activity expected for the next few days.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the highway. Smoke may cause a light haze over areas in and near the park or settle in low lying areas at times. Active geothermal features are also present within the perimeter of the fire, and may be confused with smoke from the fire at a distance.
Saturday's Weather: Moderate relative humidity combined with yesterday's rain will limit fire behavior to smoldering and creeping. Showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon. Drier weather conditions are predicted to return next week which may increase fire activity.
Current Resources: 1 helicopter, 1 engine, and 45 personnel including 2 fire modules.
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.
