Sept. 13--A wildfire burning in Yellowstone National Park grew to about 1,100 acres as park officials allowed the blaze to run its course Sunday morning.
Park spokeswoman Julena Campbell said the Spruce fire is actively burning in Yellowstone's backcountry, about 10 miles west of Fishing Bridge and two miles south of Hayden Valley in the central portion of the park.
The fire sent multiple plumes of black and white smoke into the air, but no structures or roads are threatened, Campbell said.
Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >>
"We've had pretty dry conditions, pretty low relative humidity and it's been pretty sunny and warm here so we expected this to happen," she said.
The fire was first reported Wednesday and was sparked by lightning. Officials said it is "playing its natural role" in the ecosystem, but they are monitoring the flames from a helicopter and watchtower.
Fire managers said they expect the fire to grow as weather forecasts call for dry conditions and gusty winds to continue into the afternoon.
ALSO:
Gov. Jerry Brown declares state of emergency as wildfire rages on
Raging Valley and Butte fires spur help, sympathy on social media
