Jackson Hole residents can expect to see smoke from the Granite Fire, discovered in the Gros Ventre Wilderness on Thursday, as it burns aggressively 16 miles southeast of Jackson.

Estimated at 80 acres Friday afternoon, the lightning-caused blaze prompted Bridger-Teton National Forest officials to close Granite Hot Springs, evacuate Granite Creek Campground, and barricade the Granite Creek Road at the fork with the Safari Club lodge. Smoke from the blaze could be seen Friday from Jackson drifting over Cache Creek Canyon.

The Swift Creek trail remained open to hikers who do not try to exit via Granite Creek, but a large area of the central Granite drainage is now off limits.

Firefighters are trying to contain the blaze to the drainage and protect the area around Granite Hot Springs. Hot, dry weather brought a warning from Jackson District Ranger Dale Deiter.

“The weather is not going to be on our side today,” he said in a statement. “We are doing what we can to keep the firefighters and the public safe.”

Limited firefighting resources, the fire’s location in wilderness, prevailing winds and topography suggest the blaze isn’t a major threat that could be attacked with a large crew. Deiter observed it burning to the north and east in a manner that could improve habitat for bighorn sheep.

Conditions remain volatile, however. An index that indicates the potential for wildfire growth was pegged at its maximum, Bridger-Teton officials said.

Firefighters have ordered the support of two engines from Jackson Hole Fire & EMS, among other resources.

In Yellowstone National Park, officials discovered and named the Owl Fire in the northwest corner of the park Friday. Firefighters observed flames 20 to 50 feet high, some torching of trees, and spot fires 50 to 100 yards ahead of the main blaze.

Located just north of the Wyoming state line, it is south of Specimen Creek and three miles east of U.S. 191, the highway that runs north from West Yellowstone, Mont. Estimated at 30 acres Friday, it is burning in the backcountry in old lodgepole pine forest, west of a 1988 burn.

Officials believe lightning started the fire days ago and it smoldered until hot, dry, windy weather prompted its growth.

Officials said firefighters would focus on human safety by ensuring all backcountry users are evacuated. Trails in the drainage are closed and backcountry campsites WE1, WE4, WD1, and WD6 are closed. The fire has the potential to develop a smoke column visible from the highway.  It may also cause a light haze over portions of the park or cause smoke to settle at times in low areas.

The park encouraged visitors who are planning to hike or stay overnight in the backcountry to call the backcountry office at 344-2160 for more information.

Yellowstone has reported 11 fires this year. Four were human caused and seven were the result of lightning. Fire restrictions have been in effect on public lands since July.

The extended forecast calls for continued hot, dry, weather with the chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms.

Updated information on area fires is posted at http://inciweb.org.