Single Publication

Glacier National Park Fire Update
Friday, September 16
 
National Park Service  
Glacier National Park 
Incident Commander: G. Bartin, Type 3 Incident Commander
Contact: Gina Kerzman, 406-888-5838
 
Limited fire activity as fall weather arrives
 
Current Situation: Cool and damp weather over the past week has led to reduced activity on the Quartz and North Camas fires. Seasonal temperatures and calm winds forecast for the upcoming week point to continued moderate fire activity. Forecasters do not expect a significant season-ending precipitation event in the coming week, but no critical fire weather is predicted in the near term either. A Type 4 incident management organization will take command of the fires on Saturday, September 17. This will be the last update unless significant activity occurs.
 
The Quartz Fire is showing limited activity along its southwest edge and consuming dead and down fuels within the current fire perimeter. Ground personnel have observed the fire creeping and smoldering, along with occasional single tree torching. The Quartz Fire is estimated to be 1981 acres. 
 
The North Camas Fire continues to put up intermittent smoke on both sides of the steep ridge north of Heavens Peak. A portion of the fire has been visible at times from The Loop area of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The North Camas Fire is burning in very steep, inaccessible terrain and is not currently threatening any structures, park resources, or the public. A mapping flight determined the current perimeter is 71 acres.
 
The Flat Mineral Fire, located on Flattop Mountain above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park, has shown no activity since Tuesday, September 6th.  It is estimated at 0.1 acres.

The Coal Creek Fire, in its namesake drainage in the southern part of Glacier National Park, was suppressed on September 9th. The final fire size was 1.25 acres.

Weather: The National Weather Service forecasts continued seasonal conditions, with chances of precipitation next week.

Closures: Glacier National Park has enacted a Closure Order for the areas, campgrounds, and trails within the Quartz Lake drainage. This includes the Quartz Lake Loop trails. A second Closure Order has been added for the Upper Camas drainage above Arrow Lake. Maps of the closures are available on InciWeb. 

Fire Restrictions: The fire danger rating in Glacier National Park is currently high. 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: 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 1981 acres
Total Personnel: 10
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier

North Camas Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 71 acres
Total Personnel: Managed by Quartz Fire IMT
Start Date: Sunday, September 4, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 16 miles north of West Glacier