GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – The Howe Ridge fire which has forced evacuations on the west side of Glacier National Park has now burned 10,323 acres and is 10% contained.
Fire managers report that “Super Scoopers” dropped water on the southwest edge on Wednesday to slow growth as the fire approached the Inside North Fork Road. Helicopters also dropped water on spots near Camas Creek and in the Rogers Lake area to slow fire spread.
Meanwhile, the fire continues to burn in sparse fuels on the ridges of Mount Stanton and south slopes of Mount Vaught on the north end of the fire.
A sprinkler system on the Upper McDonald Creek trails is in place to serve as a fire line, should the fire move downslope towards the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Crews are now beginning work to protect the Trail of the Cedars and other facilities at the Avalanche Creek Campground in the event the fire reaches that area.
The southwest edge of the fire continues to back towards the Inside North Fork Road while structure protection is in place in the Fish Creek Campground.
There are now 197 people assigned to fight the lightning-sparked blaze which began burning on August 11th.
Mobile viewers click here to view a photo gallery from the Howe Ridge 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.
