Bill Swartley, a public information officer for the Yellowstone fire team, said Phase 2 fire restrictions will likely go into effect in Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday.
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I was in the Yellowstone area last week with family when the south entrance to the park was closed because of a forest fire. The highway is the only road leading into the south entrance of Yellowstone. However, all major tourist attractions, roads and facilities remain open in the park.
The Berry fire cutoff access to the south entrance on August 23 but no roadways inside Yellowstone National Park were affected.
The fire burned along about a 5-mile length on either side of the highway and it took firefighters through Monday to douse hot spots and clear downed and risky burned trees.
Successful efforts by firefighters on the Berry Fire to make Highway 89/191/287 safe for travel have allowed the road to be opened this morning.
The lightning-caused fire that began in July has burned almost 21 square miles and continues to burn actively in remote areas. The large smoke column actually assisted firefighters working on the eastern side of the highway by shading out the fire on that side of the lake.
The fire was started by lightning and has been burning through timber, short grass and brush.
Swartley said preventing any human caused fires is their top priority.
Officials expect active fire behavior for the next week due to hotter and drier conditions and gusty westerly winds.
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