Final Lehardy Fire Update - Monday, August 11, 200
Incident: Lehardy Wildland Fire
Released: 8/11/2008
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
Monday, August 11, 2008 - 9 a.m.
Estimated Size: 9,332 acres
Started: July 30, 2008
Estimated Containment: 27%
Cause: PowerlineEstimated Costs to Date: $1,327,980
This is the last update unless there is a significant change in fire behavior.
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.
Sunday's Activities: Fire managers observed minimal creeping and smoldering fire along the northern flank of the fire during aerial reconnaissance. The majority of the fire area remains inactive. Crews began clearing hazard trees along park trails and backhauled all gear from the fireline. Where the fire had already passed through and remains inactive, protective wrap from a backcountry patrol cabin and some long-term seismic monitoring equipment was removed by firefighters.
Planned Activities: Crews will continue clearing hazard trees along park trails. Firefighters will also remove the structural protection sprinkler systems in the Fishing Bridge area, as the fire has been contained in this area and no longer poses a threat to the visitor services area. Remaining resources will begin demobilizing today. The park will continue to monitor the fire and will take action and/or bring in additional resources as needed.
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.
Weather Outlook: Temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s will persist throughout the week. There is a slight chance of rain and isolated thunderstorms throughout the week. Current
Resources: 20 personnel including 1 fire module
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.
