Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

WEST YELLOWSTONE- Yellowstone National Park officials are now rating its fire danger level as "extreme," due to lack of moisture throughout the park.

The move means that fire restrictions will remain in effect and the park is warning visitors that smoke plumes may be visible in several areas due to some slow burning fires.

The Cygnet Fire is about five miles southeast of Norris Junction. It was caused by lightning and is currently about 87 acres. The Cygnet Lakes trail is closed.

Another lightning caused fire, the Dewdrop, is now about 63 acres and burning southeast of Canyon. Some back country trails in that area are closed.

The Agate Fire is burning in back country southeast of Tower Junction and although it's only ½ an acre, it has led to the closure of one Backcountry campsite.

Firefighters continue to monitor the Dewdrop-2 fire and several others.

There's a lot of smoke visible in the Park right now, but rangers say most of it is coming from fires burning in Idaho and not the small fires in Yellowstone itself.

Here's a reminder about the fire restrictions: Campfires are only allowed in fire grates or rings in picnic areas and campgrounds; portable charcoal grills are prohibited anywhere as are all back country fires.

Visitors may use portable gas stoves and lanterns anywhere in the park, including the back country, but smoking is prohibited in all back country areas and all trails.