Yellowstone officials confirmed the first wildland fire of the year in Yellowstone National Park. The small fire was lightning-ignited on July 22 and was located between Little Cottonwood Creek and Hellroaring Mountain in the northern part of the park and was detected by a visitor.

Four smokejumpers based in West Yellowstone, Montana, suppressed the .1-acre fire and declared it out. In the park, fire danger is now rated as high, yet there are no fire restrictions in place or planned in the park, according to the Strategic Communications department in the office of the superintendent. Campfires are currently only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.

There were seven fires in Yellowstone in 2022. Six were lightning caused, while one was human caused. The largest fire in the park during 2022 was the Big Horn Fire at 5.8 acres, according to the park. The last large fire in the park was the 2020 Lone Star Fire at 4,118 acres. In 2016, the Maple Fire burned over 51,555 acres in Yellowstone.

Fire crews are ready for possible future fires, said park public affairs officer Linda Veress.

“Fire managers and crews are monitoring for new fires and ready to respond as needed,” she said.

There are currently no wildland fires burning in Wyoming, but to the northwest several fires are ablaze in Montana and Idaho. Wildfires in Canada, which first ignited in April, have consumed nearly 29 million acres of landscape with close to double the 584 active fires reported earlier this month. At least 1,072 fires continue to burn, causing severe air quality issues for much of the United States, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department cautions the wet spring does not necessarily mean fire season will be lighter than previous years.

“We’ve all enjoyed the bountiful precipitation the past few months and the lush green landscapes that have emerged. But as temperatures rise vegetation begins to dry, creating fuels that can create high fire dangers,” the department said in a recent report.

To help protect wildlife habitat and other public lands, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department implements fire restrictions on department-managed properties where people camp and recreate. 

“Just because there are limited fire bans doesn’t mean fires can’t still occur,” said Game and Fish Chief of the Habitat and Access Branch Ray Bredehoft. “Please remember to recreate responsibly and make sure your fire is completely out not only at wildlife habitat management areas and public access areas, but on all lands open to the public in the state.” Adhering to fire restrictions and safety is one of the ways the public can help prevent forest fires, which can be catastrophic. 

“An action as simple as leaving a campfire’s warm ashes or littering a still-smoldering cigarette can cause a fire on the landscape. In July and August, they can grow quickly,” Bredehoft said. “Remaining cautious with anything that has an open flame or can burn, including stoves, matches and lighters to name a few, is extremely important for Wyoming’s habitat and wildlife.”

Campfires, stoves and other incendiary camping supplies are permitted on WHMAs as long as there are no restrictions or a fire ban is not in place. Campers must ensure the place they choose to have a fire does not threaten, cause damage or burn any property on the WHMA and must always remain under control. 

“If allowed, campfires need to be attended at all times and be completely extinguished,” Bredehoft said. “This includes smoking materials like cigarettes.”

Littering and fireworks are not permitted on WHMAs. Campers and day users should review all regulations for WHMAs and PAAs on the Game and Fish website before setting up camp.