Lehardy Fire Update - Friday, August 8, 2008 - 9 A
Incident: Lehardy Wildland Fire
Released: 8/8/2008
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
Friday, August 8, 2008 - 9 a.m.
Estimated Size: 9,332 acres Started: July 30, 2008 Estimated Containment: 5% Cause: Powerline Estimated Costs to Date: $1,038,691
Overview: This summer the National Park Service is one of several federal agencies emphasizing the use of wildland fire strategies that focus on protecting values at risk. Here in Yellowstone National Park, the perimeter of the LeHardy Fire in the Fishing Bridge area has been aggressively suppressed due to its potential impacts on 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 costs.
Thursday's Activities: Firefighters patrolled the west side of the Grand Loop Road and observed no fire activity in the area. East of the Yellowstone River, crews used helicopters and hoselay to anchor the fire into Sulphur Hills and secure hotspots along the river in the LeHardy Rapids area. Crews did a grid search for hot spots and patrolled along the southern perimeter.
Friday's Activities: Firefighters will continue to patrol the fire area west of the Grand Loop Road. East of the Yellowstone River, firefighters will monitor hotspots along the river and use bucket drops of water from helicopters and hoselay to secure the line perimeter. Patrol and mop-up along the south perimeter will continue as well. Helicopters will support firefighters as needed and backhaul equipment from the back country. Falling dead trees, abundant wildlife and geothermal areas continue to be challenges for the firefighters.Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the highway. Smoke may cause a light haze over areas in and near the park or settle in low lying areas at times.
Friday's Weather: Temperatures in the low 70s. Minimum relative humidity will range from 30-35%. Winds below fifteen miles per hour are expected. There is about a 20% chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. Gusty and erratic winds are likely near showers and thunderstorms. Predicted cloud cover along with higher humidity is expected to lessen fire behavior over the next 24 to 48 hours. However fire activity may increase when drier weather conditions return.
Current Resources: 4 helicopters, 2 engines, 1 water tender, and 94 personnel including 3 crews.
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.
