Yellowstone National Park officials report that the park's East Entrance Road was closed at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, to both inbound and outbound traffic because of heavy smoke and the potential for fire reaching the roadway from the East Fire. The fire has spread to within 1/8 mile of the road near Cub Creek, forcing the closure. The west end of the road will stay open as far as Pelican Creek. All facilities at Fishing Bridge remain open.

The East Fire is now estimated to be about 1,900 acres in size. It was started by lightning on August 11, and is burning in dense forest fuels. Helicopter bucket drops were utilized today to slow the spread of the fire.

There is currently no estimate for when the road might re-open. Updates will be issued as information becomes available. Visitors are reminded that an alternative route to the park from Cody is to go north on Highway 296 (the Chief Joseph Highway) to Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance.