Posted: Sep 3, 2009 01:06 PM
Updated: Sep 3, 2009 01:06 PM
A fire burning in Yellowstone National Park has consumed 40 acres.
The Butte Fire and three other smaller fires were sparked by lightning strikes over the weekend.
While smaller three fires are confined to single trees, the Butte Fire, which is burning in the Lamar Valley near the summit of Druid Peak about 16 miles southwest of Cooke City, has grown to nearly 40 acres.
A column of smoke from the Butte Fire can be seen for several miles and is being captured on the Mt. Washburn Web cam.
The fire does not pose a threat to visitors, the park said in a news release. At this time no roads, campgrounds or trails are closed."Most fires occurring in the Greater Yellowstone Area are caused by lightning. When possible, these fires are managed to protect people and property, enhance the area's natural resources where appropriate, and effectively use available firefighting resources," according to the news release. "Yellowstone National Park is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Fire plays an important role in maintaining the health of this area's wildlife and vegetation."
This is the fifteenth fire reported in Yellowstone National Park this summer, according to the park. Thirteen of the 15 fires have been caused by lightning, but this is the first fire to grow beyond one-half acre in size.
The fire danger is listed as "moderate" in the park.RELATED:
Old Faithful Live Web cam link
