Lehardy Fire Update - Sunday, August 10, 2008 -
Incident: Lehardy Wildland Fire
Released: 8/10/2008
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.org
Yellowstone National Park LeHardy Fire Update
Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 9 a.m.
Estimated Size: 9,332 acres
Started: July 30, 2008
Estimated Containment: 5%
Cause: Powerline
Estimated Costs to Date: $1,287,868
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 suppression costs.
Saturday'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. Firefighters worked on the inactive area of the fire to restore areas cleared as fireline to their natural condition. Helicopters continued backhauling fire equipment from the back country. Helicopter water drop buckets were decontaminated to prevent the spread of Whirling disease.
Sunday'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.
Smoke: Smoke may be visible within the fire area, especially along the northern perimeter where fire behavior is expected to increase throughout the week due to drier conditions. Geothermal features are also present within the perimeter of the fire, and may be confused with smoke from the fire at a distance.
Sunday's Weather: Recent rain, combined with moderate relative humidity will limit fire activity today. Temperatures will remain in the 70s. Rain and isolated thunderstorms are possible.
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.
