Fishing Bridge, WY - Cooler temperatures and higher humidity have allowed firefighters to make continued progress on mop-up on both the East and Grizzly Fires. Crews have been working on all divisions to continue rehab activities along firelines, and to minimize any signs of human use at backcountry "spike" camps. Mop-up of Monday's burnout operation along the East Entrance Road near Sylvan Lake, and removal of roadside snags and fire-weakened trees, will be mostly completed by Saturday evening. As roadside operations have diminished, National Park Service officials have decided to reopen the road during daylight hours (6:00 am to 8:00 pm) beginning Sunday, August 31. The public will not be allowed to stop their vehicles along a 16-mile long section of the East Entrance Road between Fishing Bridge and Sylvan Pass because of still smoldering fuels, potentially falling snags and fire-weakened trees and the need to keep traffic flowing smoothly. The maximum speed limit through the fire area will be 25 mph due to possible smoke and the presence of firefighters along the road. Bicycles will be permitted through the fire area starting Sunday during the same hours, but bicyclists will not be allowed to stop and should be forewarned about possible smoke exposure. If conditions change and the fire begins to threaten the safety of travelers, the park will close the road as needed to provide for public and firefighter safety.

For the Latest Road Closure Information contact the nearest Visitor Center, visit the Yellowstone National Park web site, Cody Chamber of Commerce web site or call the Cody Chamber of Commerce during business hours: 307-587-2777. Road information will also be available on the 24 hour Yellowstone National Park Fire Information Recording: 307-344-2580.

The Northwest Oregon Interagency Incident Management Team will be turning over management of the East and Grizzly Fires to a Type 3 Fire Team from Yellowstone National Park at 6:00 am on Sunday morning. The NW Oregon IMT will be breaking down the fire camp and departing Fishing Bridge on Sunday. Fire crews and equipment are being reassigned to other incidents or released home for a well-deserved rest. The NW Oregon IMT has been traveling to fires throughout the Pacific Northwest and the west since mid-June.

Updated acreage, containment, costs to date and numbers of personnel and equipment will be provided in a separate release later today.