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Wildfire, fire management and air quality news for western Montana and the Northern Rockies.

Berry Fire South Of Yellowstone Forces Evacuations, Closures

Smoke and flames from the Berry Fire hit Highway 89 on September 11, 2016
Inciweb
Smoke and flames from the Berry Fire hit Highway 89 on September 11, 2016

The Berry Fire in Grand Teton National Park has increased rapidly in activity, forcing a closure on Highway 89 between the Yellowstone South Entrance and Lizard Creek Campground.

National Park Service employees have been evacuated and are all safely accounted for according to Yellowstone National Park officials.

The fire is most recently recorded to stretch 16,800 acres. Officials in Grand Teton National Park have been letting it burn for ecological purposes.

The southern entrance to Yellowstone National Park was closed as a result of the Berry Fire earlier last month. The fire was originally started by lightning on July 25.

Officials say that the fire is prompting heavy smoke, falling trees, and other dangerous incidents. The spike in activity was largely due to gusty winds and dry, available fuel.

No structures have been damaged so far. There are currently 96 personnel working on this fire. Crews will continue protection activities and burnout operations to protect Flagg Ranch and the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park as well as burnout to strengthen holding lines.

Officials say that the weather forecast includes low humidity and winds up to 20-35 mph.

All closures related to this fire include: South Boundary Trail from the south entrance east to the junction with the Snake River Trail (west of Fox Creek Cabin). The section of the Heart Lake Trail from the junction with the Basin Creek Cut-off Trail down to the South Boundary trail.The section of the Snake River Trail from the junction with the Basin Creek Cut-off Trail (south of 8B5) to junction with South Boundary Trail (north of 8C2). The Harebell Cut-off Trail from Harebell Cabin to 8C4.The South Boundary Trail from the south entrance west to the junction with the Beula Lake trail. CLOSED Campsites: 8C1, 8C2, 8C7, 8C4, 8C6, 8B2.

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