GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – Gusty winds on Monday afternoon pushed the Howe Ridge fire burning on the west side of Glacier National Park to nearly 11,200 acres.
Fire managers report that despite some showers and cooler temperatures that moderated fire behavior and on Monday, the winds caused the fire to grow on the southwestern flank.
Mobile viewers click here to view a photo gallery from the Howe Ridge fire.
Canadian Super Scoopers and helicopters continued to drop water near the southwestern flank of the fire while high volume pumps and sprinklers are being installed at Lake McDonald Lodge.
Fire crews plan to continue to fortify containment lines on the southwest flank of the fire and protect structures at the Fish Creek Campground as well as patrol and protect structures on the North Lake McDonald Road.
On the northeastern flank, north of Lake McDonald, firefighters will continue to utilize pumps and hose lays to aid in suppression efforts and limit fire spread towards the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The Howe Ridge fire remains active on the southern and southwestern flanks of the fire with backing and flanking fire. In the evening and overnight, the fire was driven by down-valley winds in heavy dead fuels, primarily from the 2003 Robert Fire.
Evacuations:
- The Fish Creek Campground area
- North Lake 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
- Sprague Creek Campground
- Avalanche Campground
Road and Trail Closures:
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road between the foot of Lake McDonald (near Apgar) and Logan Pass.
- The Inside North Fork Road
- The Fish Creek Road
- Multiple trail closures are associated with this fire
- All trails off of the Camas Road are closed.
Glacier National Park and most of western Montana are under Stage II Fire Restrictions. No campfires will be 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.
A recorded fire update can be found at (406) 888-7077.
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