Single Publication

Quartz Fire and North Camas Fire Update

Wednesday, September 7
National Park Service
Glacier National Park
 
Incident Commander: G. Bartin, Type 3 Incident Commander
Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 4:30 pm)
 
Continued slow growth on Quartz Fire; North Camas Fire remains near Heavens Peak
 
Current Situation: On scene observations and updates from the Numa Ridge Lookout were received for the Quartz Fire on Tuesday. The fire again showed limited growth and burning of previously unburned fuel on the SW edge of the fire, high above Quartz Lake. Isolated single and group tree torching was the main activity, as the fire continues to consume dead and down heavy fuels. The Quartz Fire is estimated to be 1720 acres as of Tuesday evening. A crew will continue to be staged at the Quartz Lake Cabin reinforcing structure protection and patrolling the Quartz Fire throughout the week. Additional fire personnel are available to patrol for any additional new starts which may be detected in and around Glacier National Park.

The North Camas Fire, detected in the upper Camas Creek drainage high on the north ridge of Heaven’s Peak around 7:00 pm on Sunday, September 4, continues to put up intermittent smoke. The fire has been visible from The Loop area of Going-to-the-Sun Road and an information board has been placed in that location. The North Camas Fire is burning in very steep, inaccessible terrain and is estimated at 8 acres. The location of the fire at high elevation with sparse fuels is expected to limit the potential for fire spread. Glacier National Park fire staff are closely monitoring the North Camas Fire, which will be managed by the organization managing the Quartz Fire. The fire is not currently considered a threat to any structures, park resources, or the public.
 
The Flat Mineral Fire, located in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park showed itself over the evening hours of Tuesday-Wednesday with one isolated area of heat. It remains at .1 acre. The Swiftcurrent Lookout will continue monitoring the fire, and a plan is in place to protect park resources if this fire becomes active again.

Weather: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for all western Montana from noon Wednesday to midnight Wednesday night. The combination of gusty winds, high temperatures, and low humidity will result in critical fire weather conditions. More seasonal temperatures are expected Thursday and Friday. A backdoor cold front on Thursday will bring a wind shift out of the northeast, as well as showers along and just west of the Divide.

Closures: Glacier National Park has enacted a Closure Order for the areas, campgrounds, and trails within the Quartz Lake drainage from the Continental Divide to the Inside North Fork Road for the protection of park visitors, employees, and natural resources. This includes the Quartz Lake Loop trails starting from just south of Bowman Lake toward Quartz Lake, as well as the Quartz Lake and Lower Quartz Lake Wilderness Campgrounds. A map of the closure is available on InciWeb.

Fire Restrictions: The fire danger rating in Glacier National Park is currently high. All park visitors are reminded that campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown any campfire with water until cold to the touch before leaving it.

Air Quality: Winds are transporting smoke into the Glacier area from fires in western Montana as well as Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Air quality and smoke conditions can be monitored at https://fire.airnow.gov/. Visibility in different parts of Glacier National Park can vary from hour to hour, depending on fire and wind conditions both locally and throughout the west. Check the park’s webcams at https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm.

Quartz Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 1720 acres
Total Personnel: 20
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier

North Camas Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 8 acres
Total Personnel: Managed by Quartz Fire Management Team
Start Date: Sunday, September 4, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 16 miles north of West Glacier