New Hampshire Woman Severely Burned in Yellowstone's Thermal Area; Park Service Issues Warning

A 60-year-old woman from New Hampshire suffered severe injuries while visiting a thermal area at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The incident occurred when the woman, accompanied by her husband and leashed dog, wandered off-trail near Mallard Lake Trailhead at Old Faithful. She accidentally stepped onto a thin crust covering scalding water, resulting in second and third-degree burns to her lower leg. Fortunately, her husband and dog were unharmed.

Immediate Response and Hospitalization

The couple promptly sought medical assistance at a park medical center, where the woman was evaluated. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was subsequently transported to a hospital in Idaho for further treatment. The National Park Service reported that this incident marks the first known thermal injury in Yellowstone for 2024, and it is currently under investigation.

Visitor Safety Reminder

In light of this incident, the National Park Service took the opportunity to remind visitors to exercise extreme caution when exploring hydrothermal areas. It urged all visitors to strictly adhere to boardwalks and trails, emphasizing that the ground in these areas can be delicate and thin, with scalding water lying just beneath the surface. Additionally, the park service reiterated the prohibition of pets in: Boardwalks Hiking trails Backcountry Thermal areas.

Recent Hydrothermal Activity at Yellowstone

This incident follows an earlier disturbance in July, when visitors at Yellowstone National Park were taken by surprise by an unexpected hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin. This eruption, characterized by the expulsion of underground hot water, released steam, boiling water, mud, and rocks into the air, damaging a boardwalk and nearby thermal pools. While there were no injuries reported, the incident prompted the park service to close the Biscuit Basin area as a precautionary measure.