Eneas Peak Fire Update August 24 2022
Related Incident: Eneas Peak Fire
Publication Type: News
Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning Size: Eneas Peak- 765 acres
Closures & Evacuations:
There are no evacuations at this time. However, when living in fire prone areas it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan in place including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and easily transportable. Residents of Boundary County, ID can visit https://www.nixle.com or text home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.
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Eneas Peak Fire Update August 23 2022
Related Incident: Eneas Peak Fire
Publication Type: News
The Eneas Peak Fire and Trout Fire will jointly be addressed in the daily update due to their proximity, level of complexity, and concurring management strategies.
Location: Approximately 15 miles north-northwest of Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Size: Eneas Peak- 733 acres, Trout- 7 acres
Start Date: Eneas Peak- August 13, 2022, Trout- August 21, 2022
Yesterday, a helitack crew flew over the Trout Fire but were unable to find a safe location to insert firefighters. The Trout Fire is in an old burn scar, where snags and heavy downed-fuels are the chief safety concern for firefighters working on the ground. Fire managers were able to utilize 4 fireboss aircraft yesterday to reduce the spread of the Eneas Peak and Trout fires. This aviation support continues to help hold the eastern flank of the Eneas Peak Fire and to take some of the heat out of the Trout Fire. Last night’s infrared flight had better weather conditions and has provided a more accurate acreage of 733 acres for the Eneas Peak Fire and 7 acres for the Trout Fire. Most growth on the Eneas Peak Fire is continuing in a favorable westerly direction.Fire managers continue to strategize on the best way to utilize suppression resources to contain and confine fire growth on both fires. Air support will continue to be utilized as needed to prevent spread of fires into areas with critical values. The weather today will be much cooler with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. The likelihood of showers increases tomorrow.
Closures & Evacuations:
Please avoid the Trout Creek Road (FSR 634) as well as the trails nearby due to the active fires and the suppression activities in the vicinity.
Trails: #27: Fisher Peak, #13: Pyramid Lake, #7: Pyramid Peak, #41: Trout Lake, #43: Ball & Pyramid Lakes
There are no evacuations at this time. However, when living in fire prone areas it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan in place including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and easily transportable. Residents of Boundary County, ID can visit https://www.nixle.com or text home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.###
Eneas Peak Fire Update August 22 2022
Related Incident: Eneas Peak Fire
Publication Type: News
Location: Approximately 15 miles north-northwest of Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Over the past 24 hours, the Eneas fire has grown by 164 acres. It is moving favorably to the west and is holding steady on the northern ridge. Firefighters employed detection and recon flights to evaluate the status of the fire and to identify any new starts. In addition, a Type 1 helicopter was borrowed from a nearby IDL fire to deliver bucket drops to the NE edge of the Eneas fire late in the afternoon Sunday.
Today, firefighters will continue assessing and developing strategies for on the ground actions. Air resources are continuing to work fires throughout the dispatch zone and are being made available based on potential threat to values such as private land.
Trails:
- #27: Fisher Peak
- #13: Pyramid Lake
- #7: Pyramid Peak
- #41: Trout Lake
- #43: Ball & Pyramid Lakes Trail
Limited fire activity as fall weather arrives
Related Incident: Quartz Fire
Publication Type: News
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
Fire activity continues at slower rate with weather change
Related Incident: Quartz Fire
Publication Type: News
Glacier National Park Fire Update
Friday, September 9
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)
Fire activity continues at slower rate with weather change
Current Situation: A backdoor cold front Thursday brought a wind shift out of the northeast with cool and moist air slowing but not extinguishing activity on both the Quartz and North Camas Fires.
The Quartz Fire continued to show activity and perimeter growth along the southwest edge as observed by ground personnel and both Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest lookouts on Wednesday and Thursday. Group tree torching and intermittent uphill runs were visible as the fire continues to consume dead and down heavy fuels. The Quartz Fire is estimated to be 1981 acres as of Friday morning. A squad remains staged at the Quartz Lake Cabin reinforcing structure protection and patrolling the Quartz Fire throughout the weekend.
The North Camas Fire continues to put up intermittent smoke and slowly spread along a steep slope above Camas Creek. A portion of the fire has been visible from The Loop area of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The North Camas Fire is burning in very steep, inaccessible terrain and is estimated at 20 acres. The fire is not currently threatening any structures, park resources, nor the public.
The Flat Mineral Fire, located in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park showed activity Tuesday night with one isolated area of heat. It remains at 0.1 acre.
A new wildland fire was reported in the Coal Creek drainage in the southern section of Glacier National Park on Wednesday afternoon. Immediate suppression actions were taken on the Coal Creek Fire due to its proximity to the historic Coal Creek Patrol Cabin. A Forest Service helicopter assisted with water drops and Glacier National Park firefighters hiked in to suppress the fire on the ground. The fire was estimated at 1.25 acres. The Coal Creek Fire is 100% contained as of Thursday evening.
Weather: The National Weather Service forecasts cool and damp conditions for Friday with drier and more seasonal temperatures expected beginning Saturday.
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 very 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: 20
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier
North Camas Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 20 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
Continued slow growth on Quartz Fire North Camas Fire remains near Heavens
Related Incident: Quartz Fire
Publication Type: News
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
Slight growth on Quartz Fire new North Camas Fire near Heavens Peak
Related Incident: Quartz Fire
Publication Type: News
Quartz Fire and North Camas Fire Update
Tuesday, September 6
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)
Slight growth on Quartz Fire; new North Camas Fire near Heavens Peak
Current Situation: An aerial reconnaissance flight over the Quartz Fire on Monday showed limited growth and burning of previously unburned fuel. Isolated group tree torching was again observed at the southwest corner of the fire. The Quartz Fire is estimated to be 1709 acres on Monday. 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.
A new fire, the North Camas Fire, was detected in the upper Camas Creek drainage high on the north ridge of Heaven’s Peak around 7:00 pm on Sunday, September 4. The fire was first detected from Swiftcurrent Lookout and is in a location which received a lightning strike on August 27th. Smoke and some flames have been visible from The Loop area of Going-to-the-Sun Road. 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, has had no smoke or visible activity in the past four days. The Swiftcurrent Lookout will continue monitoring the fire, and a plan is in place to protect park resources if this fire becomes active again.
Future updates will be published weekly on Fridays or as significant events occur with fires in Glacier National Park.
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 1709 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 IMT
Start Date: Sunday, September 4, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 16 miles north of West Glacier
Limited activity on the Quartz Fire as Red Flag conditions subside
Related Incident: Quartz Fire
Publication Type: News
Quartz Fire Update
Sunday, September 4, 9:00 am
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 6 pm)
Limited activity on the Quartz Fire as Red Flag conditions subside
Current Situation: The Quartz Fire again showed limited activity on Saturday despite the Red Flag Warning that was issued for the area. The fire produced little smoke ahead of the dry cold front that moved across the region early evening. High winds associated with the cold front’s passing resulted in isolated tree torching on the fire’s southern perimeter, but activity subsided after the winds calmed. One crew remains staged at the Quartz Cabin and will continue patrolling and monitoring the Quartz Fire. Additional crews are available in both East and West Glacier to respond to any emerging fires in the park or neighboring jurisdictions.
The Flat Mineral Fire, located in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park, had no activity on Saturday. The Swiftcurrent Lookout will continue monitoring the fire.
On Saturday evening, Type 3 Incident Commander Greg Bartin assumed command of the Quartz Fire from outgoing Incident Commander Mike Lewelling, who rotated off the incident after a 14-day assignment. Today’s update will be the last daily update published for the incident; future updates will be published weekly on Fridays or as significant events occur with the fire.
Weather: A high pressure system will settle in over northwest Montana through Wednesday. During that time, high temperatures will be 65 to 78 degrees on ridges with Wednesday being the warmest day of the week. Winds will be predominately out of the southwest for the week and are expected to be 10-20 mph each day. Friday will bring a chance of rain to the area.
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 and Washington. 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 for current views.
Quartz Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 1698 acres
Total Personnel: 35
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier
Critical fire weather conditions expected over Glacier on Saturday
Related Incident: Quartz Fire
Publication Type: News
Quartz Fire Update
Saturday, September 3, 9:30 am
National Park Service
Glacier National Park
Incident Commander: M. Lewelling
Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm)
Critical fire weather conditions expected over Glacier on Saturday
Current Situation: The Quartz Fire again showed some isolated activity on Friday, with three locations producing light smoke. Fire activity was focused on the southern tip of the fire’s perimeter. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Glacier National Park on Saturday for high winds, high temperatures, and low relative humidity. One crew remains staged at the Quartz Cabin patrolling and monitoring the Quartz Fire. Additional crews are available in both East and West Glacier to respond to any fires that may emerge with the anticipated weather.
The Flat Mineral Fire, located in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park, had no activity on Friday. The Swiftcurrent Lookout will continue monitoring the fire.
The Quartz Fire will transfer command to another Type 3 Incident Commander Saturday evening. Since activity has been light on the Quartz Fire, Sunday’s update will be the last daily update published on the Quartz Fire. Going forward, updates will be published weekly on Fridays or as significant events occur with the fire.
Weather: A fast-moving dry cold front will pass over western Montana today, bringing critical fire weather conditions to the area. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Montana, including Glacier National Park, on Saturday. Temperatures will be 80° to 90° on ridges and minimum relative humidity is expected to dip to 10-20%. South winds are forecasted to be 5-15 mph shifting to southwest and increasing to 15-25 mph in the afternoon with gusts up to 35 mph. A 15% chance of lightning and a 10% chance of rain is predicted for this evening.
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 Very 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 and Washington. 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 for current views.
Quartz Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 1698 acres
Total Personnel: 35
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier
Quartz Fire shows isolated activity GNP firefighters help regionally
Related Incident: Quartz Fire
Publication Type: News
Quartz Fire Update
Friday, September 2, 9:30 am
National Park Service
Glacier National Park
Incident Commander: M. Lewelling
Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm)
Quartz Fire shows isolated activity; Glacier firefighters help with regional fires
Current Situation: The Quartz Fire showed some isolated activity on Thursday, with two locations producing smoke. Activity was focused on the southern tip of the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters at Quartz Lake will hike out today and will be replaced by another fresh crew. The new crew will continue the previous crew’s efforts of patrolling and monitoring fire activity in the Quartz drainage. High temperatures are expected to persist over the fire area again today, which may lead to an increase in fire activity and visible smoke during the warmest part of the afternoon.
The Flat Mineral Fire, located in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park, is being observed by the Swiftcurrent Lookout. The single-tree fire is located in a remote area of the park within the perimeter of the 2003 Trapper Fire. The fire continued to produce little smoke on Wednesday and has not had any observable growth.
On Thursday, Glacier’s initial attack resources assisted neighboring agencies with emerging fires outside the park. On the east side of the park, crews responded to the Mile Marker 18 fire southeast of Babb. West Glacier initial attack crews responded to the Lemonade Fire west of Kalispell. Additional firefighters remain available for any emerging fires that are discovered within the park.
Weather: Temperatures will be 73° to 83° on ridges and minimum relative humidity is expected to dip to 16-26%. Winds are forecasted to be 5-10 mph out of the south ahead of a dry cold front that will pass over Glacier on Saturday afternoon. The cold front is expected to bring gusty winds a 20% chance of lightning to the area on Saturday.
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 Very 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 and Washington. 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 for current views.
Quartz Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 1698 acres
Total Personnel: 35
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier