Yellowstone National Park officials announce that because of extreme fire danger with increasing fire activity and continuing hot and dry conditions, no wood or charcoal fires will be allowed at any of the frontcountry areas beginning Saturday, August 16, at 8 a.m. This includes the use of fire grates, charcoal grills, fire pans, and any other ember-producing equipment in all campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, and employee housing. Additionally, no smoking is allowed in the frontcountry except within buildings where smoking is normally permitted, in vehicles, or designated smoking areas-provided an ashtray is used.

Other restrictions implemented July 17 prohibit any backcountry wood or charcoal fires, and smoking is restricted to the immediate vicinity of the cooking area in designated backcountry sites only.

Backcountry trials currently closed due to fire activity include the Turbid Lake, Jones Pass, Ninemile, Avalanche Peak, Pelican Valley to Mist Pass, and Union Falls Trails. Visitors using the backcountry are encouraged to call the backcountry office at: 307-344-2160 for specific trail closure information and other possible restrictions.

For current fire information inside Yellowstone National Park, the public may call: 307-344-2580 for a recorded message. Visitors staying at lodging facilities inside the park can call Xanterra Parks and Resorts for questions concerning lodging at: 307-344-7901.