Yellowstone National Park officials report that the park's East Entrance Road was closed at approximately 3:00 pm on Thursday, August 14, to both inbound and outbound traffic. Increased fire and wind activity on the East Fire caused the fire to reach and cross the road near Cub Creek on the East Entrance Road, making the road unsafe to travel. The west end of the road will stay open as far as Pelican Creek. All facilities at Fishing Bridge remain open.

The East Fire, estimated at 2,930 acres, 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. Fire activity closed the road on Tuesday, August 12, at around 5:30 pm; park staff were able to reopen the road on Wednesday, August 13, at 11:00 am but cautioned at that time that the road could close again if conditions warranted.

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.

For a recorded message of updated fire information, call: 307-344-2580. For fire maps and other fire information, visit the park's web site at: http://www.nps.gov/yell/technical/fire/index/htm.