The Howe Ridge Fire (Inciweb), which has forced evacuations on the west side of Glacier National Park, has burned an estimated 12,435 acres as of Thursday, and is 12% contained. The fire has destroyed several homes and structures.
The Boundary Fire (Inciweb) in the northeastern area of Glacier has burned an estimated 2,126 acres as of Thursday, and there is no containment at this point. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
No injuries have been reported in either fire. Most of Glacier National Park,remains open and is operating as usual.
HOWE RIDGE FIRE
The Howe Ridge fire displayed moderate fire activity yesterday, but overall fire growth was minimal and only occurred in isolated areas. The fire is creeping along the southern perimeter and smoldering on the eastern and northeast portions of the fire. There were some isolated areas of heat and smoke with no detectable growth along the slopes of Mount Vaught. The fire is estimated to be between 150 to 300 feet from the Going-to-the-Sun Road at its closest point and has not crossed containment lines or Upper McDonald Creek. The windy weather is expected to continue into the afternoon, and the fire may show isolated areas of smoke and increased fire activity.
Structure protection remains in place along North Lake McDonald Road and hoses, pumps and sprinklers are in place along the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the facilities in the Avalanche Creek area. Crews are continuing to monitor the fire’s activity and plan to take action when needed.
The Northern Rockies Type 1 Incident Management Team 1 will take command of the fires as of 6 am on Friday, August 31, 2018. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team wants to thank the public for all of their support.
Evacuations: Evacuation orders are in place for the North McDonald Road (private residences and the Lake McDonald Ranger Station), Lake McDonald Lodge area (all businesses, employees, and private residences), private residences along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Sprague Creek, Avalanche, and Fish Creek Campgrounds.
Evacuation Warnings: The evacuation warning for the Apgar and Grist Road areas has been lifted. The evacuation warning for the area north of the Bowman Lake Road junction with the Inside North Fork Road, associated with the Whale Butte Fire, has also been lifted.
Road and Trail Closures: The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains open between St. Mary and Logan Pass. It is closed between the foot of Lake McDonald (near Apgar) and Logan Pass. North McDonald and Fish Creek Roads are closed. The Inside North Fork Road is closed from Fish Creek to Logging Creek. Trail closures are associated with this fire; full trail closures are reflected on the park’s website at:www.nps.gov/glac.
Fire Restrictions: Glacier National Park and most of western Montana are currently under Stage II Fire Restrictions. No campfires are permitted in Glacier’s frontcountry or backcountry. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed building, vehicle, developed recreation area, or barren area three feet in diameter. Propane stoves that have an on/off switch are permitted.
Cooperating interagency fire managers across Northwest Montana are rescinding stage 2 fire restrictions effective 12:01 am Friday, August 31.
BOUNDARY FIRE
The Boundary Fire showed some interior burning and multiple areas of smoldering fire and creeping in Boundary Creek. The windy weather is expected continue into the afternoon, and the fire may show isolated areas of smoke and increased fire activity. Fire managers are continuing to monitor fire activity and plan to take action when needed. Structure protection remains in place at Goat Haunt.
Trail Closures: All trails originating at Goat Haunt are closed at this time. Boat tours operated by Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company are once again landing at Goat Haunt. Visitors will be limited to the boat dock pavilion and restroom area. Visitors should be aware that firefighters and structural protection equipment such as hoses lays and pumps will be in place.
Fire Restrictions: Glacier National Park and most of western Montana are currently under Stage II Fire Restrictions. No campfires are permitted in Glacier’s frontcountry or backcountry. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed building, vehicle, developed recreation area, or barren area three feet in diameter. Propane stoves that have an on/off switch are permitted.
Cooperating interagency fire managers across Northwest Montana are rescinding stage 2 fire restrictions effective 12:01 am Friday, August 31.
For a recorded Howe Ridge Fire update, call (406) 888-7077.For general Glacier National Park information, visit www.nps.gov/glac or call (406) 888-7800.
- AUGUST 12: Growing wildfire triggers evacuations in part of Glacier National Park
- AUGUST 16: Glacier National Park remains open; fire is affecting only a small area
- AUGUST 18: Campers escape by driving through wildfire in Glacier National Park (video)
- AUGUST 28: South African firefighters "tame the beast" as they help fight Montana wildfires
- BACKGROUND: Wildland firefighting terms: what do they mean?
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