Yellowstone Lake, or the Edge of the World?

This fire was burning on the east (Absaroka Range) side of Yellowstone Lake and, if I remember correctly, some of the islands, in August 2003. At first glance, I thought this was a tornado. It was a truly spectacular sight, but surprisingly few people joined me at the shore to witness this. Perhaps the light rain and the fact that it was dinnertime accounted for that, but still-- do the tourist masses really have as little imagination and soul as I think they do? Part of the credit for the title goes to SP member RPC.