Yellowstone National Park awaits you, and it has a few safety and other tips for you to remember as you're planning your Fourth of July weekend, according to a news release.

  • Fireworks are not allowed inside the park or on the surrounding national forest lands. Annual fireworks displays are held in many of the park’s gateway communities.
  • After two weeks of hot and dry weather, fire managers increased the fire danger rating to High on Tuesday. High fire danger means fires start easily and spread at a fast rate. Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings in the 11 developed campgrounds and most back country campsites. To properly extinguish a campfire, use water and stir the coals and ash until they are cold to the touch.
  • Whether along the road or along a hiking trail, visitors are required to view wildlife from a safe distance of at least 25 yards for most large animals and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.  This is to ensure the safety of both people and animals.
  • Extra time should be factored into traveling from place to place in the park. Traffic congestion and delays should be expected because of the high volume of vehicles, especially when wildlife is on or near the roadway. Visitors should keep their eyes open for animals present on the road and be prepared to stop for any wildlife sightseeing traffic jams.
  • Protect yourself and Yellowstone’s valuable natural resources by staying on trails and boardwalks in thermal areas. Pets, smoking and eating in thermal areas are also prohibited.
For valuable trip planning information, visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/index.htm.
For current, 24-hour road conditions, call (307) 344-2117 or visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.
For current camping information, weather conditions and forecasts, call (307) 344-2113
For information on permits and reservations, visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm.

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