WILDLAND FIRE INFORMATION

Montana is 93 million acres of spectacular unspoiled nature. Because of our diverse landscape and weather, wildfires happen as a natural part of Montana’s ecology. Sometimes a fire occurs near a popular destination, but there’s no reason to let it stop you from enjoying your West Yellowstone experience.

According to a recent report from the Montana Drought and Water Advisory Committee, Montana is experiencing the most severe drought in over 20 years. Extreme drought combined with the current forest health crisis has created a significant risk for wildfires. Help Montanans reduce the risk by recreating responsibly.

SMOKE & AIR QUALITY CONDITIONS

Air quality conditions across Montana can be impacted by smoke from numerous wildland fires within Montana and adjoining states, even sometimes Canada. Good to Moderate conditions span Montana right now as a ridge of high pressure returns the region to hot and dry conditions. This return will likely kick up fire activity, increasing the potential for smoke and haze over the state, especially directly downwind from active fires.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services maintains a website with health information related to wildfire smoke. To access it, click here.

Multiple factors contribute to air quality and conditions can change often. If smoke is heavy or you’re sensitive to it, you may wish to consider adjusting your itinerary until air quality improves. Even if you see smoke, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re close to a fire. Sometimes smoke blows in from hundreds of miles away.

For up-to-date air quality conditions from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, click here.

Stay Safe From Wildfires When Seconds Count

Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time.

UPDATES

7.24.24: SMOKE FORECAST

Current Conditions

Canadian wildfire smoke will gradually mix out of northern and eastern sections of the state on Wednesday. An approaching trough will help to spread smoke from Pacific Northwest wildfires into Western Montana in the next 24-hours.

The Miller Peak fire outside Missoula has expanded to just over 2,600 acres, with 25 percent containment. Active fire behavior is expected by Wednesday afternoon because of stronger winds along and ahead of a front.

See the latest Air Resource Advisor report from the Miller Peak fire here

At 8:00 AM Wednesday, Libby, Thompson Falls, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Choteau, Great Falls, Seeley Lake, Frenchtown, Missoula, Sleeping Giant, Helena, Hamilton, Butte, Dillon, West Yellowstone, Bozeman, Lewistown, Billings, Malta, Glendive, Sidney, Miles City were enduring Moderate air quality. Broadus was experiencing air that is considered Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups.

7.12.24: SMOKE FORECAST

Current Conditions

Air quality has improved slightly from yesterday as transport winds have cleared some of the smoke across the state. Light smoke from wildfires in Washington and Oregon continue to affect air quality primarily in Northwest and Eastern Montana on Friday morning. The heaviest smoke impacts are between Helena and Bozeman; this smoke is largely due to the 10,000-acre Horse Gulch Fire that continues to burn near Canyon Ferry.

Though weakening, an atmospheric ridge has delivered another day of high temperatures and low relative humidity, so new fires remain a concern.

This morning, air quality for Libby, Flathead Valley, Frenchtown, Cut Bank, Helena, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Lewistown, Malta, Miles City, and Broadus is moderate.

7.12.24: FISHING CLOSURES IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2024 24-027
Morgan Warthin
(307) 344-2015
[email protected]

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE

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Warm-water temperatures and low river flows prompt fishing closures in Yellowstone National Park

Additional closures possible in coming days

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Effective Monday, July 15, 2024, select Yellowstone National Park rivers will close to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. This closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and remain in effect until conditions improve.

What will be closed?

The Madison River and all associated tributaries.
The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.
The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.
The closure will be reassessed when water temperatures cool and flows return to more typical summer conditions.
Staff will continue to monitor park rivers and streams for warm temperatures and low flows, and watch weather forecasts. The extended forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions with a slight chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, which contribute to continued low stream flows and warm-water temperatures.
Additional closures or restrictions may be implemented if necessary.

What will be open?

Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the Fishing Regulations 2024 booklet.
All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.

Water temperatures have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days and flows on many rivers, streams and creeks are low. These conditions are extremely stressful to fish and can be fatal.

Anglers: Please fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries.

– www.nps.gov/yell –

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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7.10.24: HIGH FIRE DANGER IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

HIGH fire danger in Yellowstone National Park

The parkwide fire danger level for Yellowstone is now HIGH.
Currently, there are no active wildland fires in the park.
At this time, there are no fire restrictions in place or planned in the park.
Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
Campfires must always be attended and cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel, repeat.
The Greater Yellowstone area is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation.
Stay informed about current fire activity in Yellowstone.

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Public Affairs Office
Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent
Yellowstone National Park
Office: 307-344-2015
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F

7.10.24: HEBGEN BASIN FIRE DISTRICT UPDATE

6.13.24: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK FIRE ACTIVITY UPDATE

MODERATE fire danger in Yellowstone National Park

The parkwide fire danger level for Yellowstone is now MODERATE.
Currently, there is one active wildland fire in the park. The Milepost 17 Fire is controlled and there is little to no heat left in the lightning-ignited tree.
At this time, there are no fire restrictions in place or planned in the park.
Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
Campfires must always be attended and cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel, repeat.
The Greater Yellowstone area is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation.
Stay informed about current fire activity in Yellowstone.

6.10.2024: First confirmed 2024 wildland fire in Yellowstone National Park

Parkwide fire danger LOW

On June 9, the first confirmed wildland fire of the season in Yellowstone National Park was detected by a motorist driving on Highway 191, located on the west side of the park.
The .1-acre lightning-ignited Milepost 17 Fire torched a single tree almost a mile west of Highway 191 and 17 miles north of West Yellowstone, Montana.
Yellowstone wildland firefighters are suppressing the fire, which is expected to be controlled today, June 10.

Stay informed

The parkwide fire danger level for Yellowstone is LOW.
Currently, there are no fire restrictions in place or planned in the park.
Campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
Campfires must always be attended and cold to the touch before abandoning. Soak, stir, feel, repeat.
The Greater Yellowstone area is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area’s wildlife habitat and vegetation.
Stay informed about current fire activity in Yellowstone.

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Public Affairs Office

Strategic Communications, Office of the Superintendent

Yellowstone National Park

Office: 307-344-2015

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M-F