The Lone Star Fire in Yellowstone National Park was expected to decrease in intensity Monday, but park staff worried that dry and warmer weather later this week might cause the fire to flare up again.
As predicted, a cold front moved into the area overnight Monday and was expected to bring rain showers to the Yellowstone area that could last much of the day. Snow flurries were also possible.
But warm, dry weather was predicted for later in the week and park officials were concerned that areas of the fire left smoldering by Monday’s cooler, wetter weather could respond by picking up in activity.
The Grand Loop Road and day use areas between Old Faithful and the West Thumb Junction were open Monday, but officials said they could close at any time if the fire activity increased.
Trailheads on the Grand Loop Road between Old Faithful and West Thumb Junction remained closed to the public. This included Howard Eaton, Lone Star, Divide and DeLacy Creek trails.
Many of the campsites around Shoshone Lake and Lone Star Geyser are closed.
The fire picked up over the weekend to involve nearly 960 acres. Nearly 50 personnel were working on the fire as of Monday.
The National Park Service is predicting containment of the fire by Oct. 30.
