GLACIER NATIONAL PARK- A passing lightning storm has sparked several small wildfires in Glacier National Park.
Park spokeswoman Lauren Alley says that park and interagency firefighters are responding to at least three fires which sparked to life on Saturday.
The Heavens Sake Fire, which is burning below Heavens Peak, is visible from the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Rappellers are on order to take suppression action on that fire.
Smokejumpers have been ordered for a fire near Numa Ridge because there is a suitable location for the jumpers to respond, according to Alley.
A fire on Howe Ridge burned actively throughout the night and Canadian super scoopers — which have been based in Kalispell — are scooping water out of Lake McDonald to fight that fire. Ground resources are also hiking in.
The following trails have been closed due to fire danger:
Numa Lookout Trail
Trout Lake Trails
Howe Ridge Trail
Howe Lake Trails.
No evacuation orders have been issued for residents that live in the park. Alley said Sunday morning that there is no estimate yet on how many acres the fires have burned.
Glacier National Park has set up a Fire Information Line with updated recorded information about the fires which can be accessed by calling (406) 888-7077.
-Mark Thorsell reporting for MTN.
