GREAT FALLS – Firefighting efforts continue on the Howe Ridge Fire in Glacier National Park; officials estimate that as of Monday afternoon, it has burned 1,500 and 2,500 acres.
There have not been any reported injuries associated with the fire.
A Type III Flathead County Interagency Team is assisting the park in efforts to check the spread of the fire and continue to protect structures. A Type I team will be assuming command of the fire later in the week.
A press release from Glacier officials says that Flathead County fire departments were instrumental in protecting structures along North Lake McDonald Road. While numerous buildings were saved, a number of structures were lost last night. Exact details have not yet been released.
On Monday afternoon, two CL-215 (Canadian “superscooper”) airplanes and a K-Max Type I helicopter are dropping water from Lake McDonald on widespread spot fires and are working to establish a secure anchor point from which to fight the fire. Multiple structural engines and wildland engine crews are protecting structures and working to suppress spot fires. Crews and engines will remain through the night to protect structures where they can do so safely. The fire is staffed with approximately 60 personnel.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the foot of Lake McDonald (near Apgar) and Logan Pass. The road remains open between St. Mary and Logan Pass. The Inside North Fork Road has also been closed. Most other areas of the park are open.
Evacuations are in place between the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass, and the following areas and services are now closed:
Avalanche & Sprague Creek Campgrounds
North Lake McDonald Road (private residences and the Lake McDonald Ranger Station)
Lake McDonald Lodge Complex (all businesses, employees, and private residences)
Private residences along the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Suppression operations also continue at Numa Ridge and Heavens Peak. Smoke jumpers are making excellent progress constructing line around a 1.4 acre fire on Numa Ridge. The Heavens Sake Fire on Heavens Peak is staffed with four heli-rapellers.
Numerous trail closures are associated with the fires. Visit the park website for details.
Effective at midnight tonight, the park will enter Stage II Fire Restrictions. No campfires will be permitted in the 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.
Glacier National Park has established a Fire Information Line with updated recorded information at (406) 888-7077.
Reporting by David Sherman for MTN News
