Prevention of Human-Caused Fires

Although the acreage burned in Yellowstone as a result of human presence has been limited to a negligible amount in recent years compared to that from lightning ignitions, human-caused fires are more likely to be located where they pose a threat to human safety and property and require the immediate mobilization of a firefighting crew. Most human-caused fires in Yellowstone in the last ten years have been the result of unattended and escaped campfires, inattentive smokers, and power lines. Fire prevention messages addressing campfires and smoking are translated into the most commonly used foreign languages and included in the information distributed to visitors at entrance stations and visitor centers. Fire prevention messages are also distributed through the backcountry and special use permitting system and posted at each picnic area, campground, and trailhead registration box. Fire danger levels are posted daily at entrance stations, trailheads, and visitor centers. Park staff are developing a program with Northwestern Energy to reduce fires caused by power lines by routinely inspecting the power line corridor after high wind events, clearing the right-of-way of hazard trees, and burying power lines.