Quartz Fire Update
Sunday, August 21, 2022, 10:00 am

National Park Service   
Glacier National Park   
Incident Commander: M. Lewelling
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099
Fire Information Phone: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm) 
Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov   

Quartz Fire transitions to Type 3 Incident Management Team

Current Situation: The Quartz Fire remained active yesterday afternoon and throughout the night, with isolated tree torching and movement on the southwestern flank within the remote Quartz drainage. Cloud cover last night made it impossible to accurately map the fire. Management of the Quartz Fire transitions to a Type 3 Incident Management Team under Incident Commander Mike Lewelling today.
 
Firefighters completed structure protection at the Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin yesterday and remain at that location to fine-tune protection efforts and evaluate fire behavior. Crews will also be working to reduce the risk to the wilderness campground and cultural resources in that area. Fire behavior and movement will continue to be evaluated from the air to plan future fire responses.
 
Initial attack resources will patrol both the west and east sides of Glacier National Park looking for any new fires which may have been ignited by last night’s lightning. Glacier National Park and Blackfeet Fire Agency engine crews are working cooperatively to patrol and respond to any new fire activity on the east side.

Weather: Today’s weather is predicted to be partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures will be 88-98 in valleys and 70-80 on ridges. Nighttime lows will be 44-55 in valleys and 55-60 on ridges. Winds are predicted to be from the southwest at 5-10 mph. Chance of lightning is 40 percent today and 50 percent tonight.

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 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: National 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.

Size: Approximately 1,255 acres     
Containment: 0% 
Total Personnel: 15 
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8337/ 
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272

Quartz Fire Update
Saturday, August 20, 2022, 11:00 am

National Park Service
Glacier National Park
Incident Commander: K. Airhart
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099
Fire Information Phone: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm) 
Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov

Quartz Fire Continues to Burn Actively

Current Situation: The Quartz Fire, mapped at 1163 acres last night, continues to burn within the remote Quartz drainage of Glacier National Park. Yesterday’s hot and dry weather allowed the fire to grow to the south where it spread to the basin of Logging Mountain. On the west edge, the fire moved downhill to reach the northeast shore of Quartz Lake. Fire was limited to the east by steep rocky terrain and lack of fuel. Smoke may be visible from the North Fork and Flathead valleys.
The National Park Service responds to and manages every fire within park boundaries. Firefighters will complete structure protection preparations today near Quartz Lake. Land and air resources will continue patrolling the Quartz Fire, ready to respond as necessary to this fire, and to any new starts caused by lightning.
Fire behavior is anticipated to continue to progress to the southwest with backing and flanking and short occasional uphill runs. Smoke will continue to be visible from the North Fork and Flathead valleys as well as some haze to the east.
 
Weather: Today’s weather is predicted to continue to be hot with high temperatures of 90-100 degrees in the valleys and 75-85 degrees on ridges. Winds are expected to transition to a more typical westerly/southwesterly flow. There is a 30 percent chance of lightning today and a 40 percent chance of lightning tonight.
 
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 grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown campfires with water until cold to the touch before leaving it.
 
Air Quality: National 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.
 
Size: Approximately 1163 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 9
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8337/
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272

Current Situation: The first infrared flights over the Quartz Fire have now provided more accurate mapping of approximately 800 acres as of Thursday night.
 
On Thursday, the fire continued to burn actively with short crown and uphill runs but exhibited less growth than the previous day. The fire remains on the west side of the Continental Divide in the Quartz Lake drainage.
 
Firefighters are stationed at the foot of Quartz Lake where they continue structure protection efforts to protect the Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin, Quartz Lake Wilderness Campground, and a footbridge at the foot of Quartz Lake. The fire is approximately 2.5 miles from the Quartz Lake structures.
 
Weather & Fuel Conditions: Today’s weather is predicted to continue to be hot and dry with variable winds of less than 7 mph at lower elevations and east winds 5-10 mph on ridge tops. Hot weather will continue through the weekend with a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms.
 
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 grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown campfires with water until it is cold to the touch before leaving it.

Air Quality: National 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 800 acres
 Containment: 0%
 Total Personnel: 8
 Cause: Lightning
 Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
 Location: Twenty-five miles north of West Glacier, MT in the Quartz Lake drainage
 
Contact Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8337/
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272

The Quartz Fire continued to grow today due to east northeast winds. Progression slowed since yesterday, but fire behavior remained active. The fire is currently estimated at 500 acres - fire managers have requested an infrared flight tonight in hopes of getting more accurate mapping which was not possible today due to smoke.
 
Firefighters have initiated structure and area protection for the Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin, Quartz Lake Wilderness Campground, and a footbridge at the foot of Quartz Lake.
 
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.

Glacier National Park has rescinded all fire-related closures.

Quartz Fire - Evening Update August 17, 2022

Fire activity increased on the Quartz Fire this afternoon with east northeast winds moving it to the west and southwest within the Quartz drainage. The fire is currently estimated to be 150 acres. Fire growth caused an increase in smoke visibility from both sides of the Continental Divide, but there has not been any fire movement to the east.

Glacier National Park fire managers have ordered additional resources including firefighters who will begin structure protection measures for the historic Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin at the foot of Quartz Lake. Standard structure protection for small historic buildings includes laying hoses with pumps and sprinklers as well as wrapping the structure with fire-resistant structure wrap.

Glacier National Park will be enacting a closure order for trails and backcountry campsites in and around the Quartz drainage on Thursday. Details will follow when the closure order is finalized.

Fire Information: Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM                              Phone: 208-891-6270

Email:  2022.wishon@firenet.gov                                                          Inciweb Updates:  Wishon Fire

Facebook: Sequoia NF Facebook                                                       Twitter: Sequoia NF Twitter

Instagram: Sequoia NF Instagram                                                    Website: Sequoia NF Website

Location: Sequoia National Forest, Tule River Canyon                              Percent Contained: 95%

Fire Start Date: August 15, 2022                                                          Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0                  

Cause: Under Investigation                                                                   Suppression Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 325 acres                                                                                     Number of Personnel Assigned: 234

                                                                                                           Injuries: 2

California Interagency Incident Management Team (CAIIMT-13) returns to home units on Monday and appreciates the opportunity to assist the Sequoia National Forest, Cal Fire and the Tulare County Fire Department with the Wishon Fire. This has been an example of successful cooperation, coordinated teamwork and a job well done among multiple agencies.

History: On August 15, 2022 firefighters from the US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Tulare County and other cooperators responded to a fire in the Tule River Canyon near The Stairs on the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. Initial responding resources included 9 engines, 14 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 6 airtankers and an air attack. CAIIMT 13 was activated on Aug. 16 to support firefighting efforts.

Fire Activity, Suppression & Weather: Minimal fire activity around the fire perimeter in the last 12 hours continues to assist crews in making progress. Expect occasional small columns of smoke to be visible as unburned fuels within the fire continue to burn. On-going mop-up is having a big impact on the fire and fire behavior potential. For Sunday through mid-week, expect minor day-to-day changes in weather. Temperatures will remain several degrees above normal. Relative humidity will drop into the 15-25% range each afternoon with only marginal overnight recovery. Typical diurnal winds are expected with upcanyon gusts around 15 MPH each afternoon. By Thursday and Friday, there is a potential for isolated showers and thunderstorms in the area as monsoonal moisture filters into the area.

As the Wishon Fire nears full containment, firefighters concentrate on removing or “backhauling” equipment used during the firefighting effort. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, hose (often adding up to miles in length), hose fittings, nozzles, pumps, remaining fuel and fuel containers, hand tools, water containers and other necessary equipment. These items are then cleaned, rehabilitated (or pulled from use if damaged) and put back into service for future incidents.

Power Restoration Update: As of August 19, Southern California Edison (SCE) reports that power has been restored in those areas impacted by the Wishon Fire. Expect to see utility vehicles and crews still working in the area, please exercise caution when driving. Your patience has been greatly appreciated. SCE helps you prepare for wildfires and related power issues at: sce.com/wildfire

Firefighter & Public Safety: Despite the reduced threat of the Wishon Fire, fire season is far from over and the health and safety of the public and fire personnel remains a high priority. The fire danger rating for the Sequoia National Forest is currently Very High and fire restrictions remain in place. For a link to these restrictions please visit: Sequoia NF Fire Alerts & Notices

Air Quality: Current impacts to air quality from the Wishon Fire are expected to be minimal. To check on air quality for your area, or wherever you are visiting, check: airnow.gov.  For the air quality at Camp Wishon check:  Camp Wishon

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Fire Information: Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM                              Phone: 208-891-6270

Email:  2022.wishon@firenet.gov                                                          Inciweb Updates:  Wishon Fire

Facebook: Sequoia NF Facebook                                                       Twitter: Sequoia NF Twitter

Instagram: Sequoia NF Instagram                                                    Website: Sequoia NF Website

Location: Sequoia National Forest, Tule River Canyon                             Percent Contained: 85%

Fire Start Date: August 15, 2022                                                          Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0                  

Cause: Under Investigation                                                                   Suppression Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 325 acres                                                                                      Number of Personnel Assigned: 305

                                                                                                            Injuries: 2

Fire History: On August 15, 2022 firefighters from the US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Tulare County and other cooperators responded to a fire in the Tule River Canyon near The Stairs on the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. Initial responding resources included 9 engines, 14 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 6 airtankers and an air attack. California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 continues to support firefighting efforts.

Fire Activity, Weather & Suppression: Minimal fire activity around the fire perimeter in the last 12 hours continues to assist crews and aircraft in making progress. Hot and dry conditions are expected for today (Saturday) with a slow cooling pattern and increase in humidity expected for Sunday. No significant wind issues are expected as we move into early next week. The fire will continue to smolder and produce occasional flare-ups within the perimeter of the fire as it makes contact with unburned fuel. Ongoing mop-up will have a big impact of limiting fire behavior and spread potential. There have been two minor injuries reported.

As the Wishon Fire nears full containment, firefighters concentrate on removing or “backhauling” equipment used during the firefighting efforts. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, hose (often adding up to miles in length), hose fittings, nozzles, pumps, remaining fuel and fuel containers, hand tools, water containers and other necessary equipment. These items will then be cleaned, rehabilitated (or pulled from use if damaged) and put back into service for future incidents.

Power Restoration Update: Southern California Edison (SCE) reports that power has been restored in those areas impacted by the Wishon Fire as of 4:30 pm on August 19th. Expect to see utility vehicles and crews still working in the area and exercise caution when driving. Your patience has been greatly appreciated. SCE helps you prepare for wildfires and related power issues at: sce.com/wildfire

Firefighter & Public Safety: Despite the reduced threat of the Wishon Fire, the health and safety of the public and fire personnel remains a high priority. The fire danger rating for the Sequoia National Forest is currently Very High and fire restrictions remain in place. For a link to these restrictions please visit: Sequoia NF Fire Alerts & Notices

Evacuations & Closures: No restrictions have been placed on public access except in areas of the fire perimeter and in areas of fire growth potential. The Tulare County Sheriff has lifted all evacuation warnings including Wishon Camp and Doyle Springs. The California Highway Patrol has lifted all road closures. Due to fire personnel, heavy equipment and utility companies working in the area, the public is advised to avoid traveling on Hwy. 190 and Wishon Drive.

Air Quality: Current impacts to air quality from the Wishon Fire are expected to be minimal. To check on air quality for your area, or wherever you are visiting, check: airnow.gov.  For the air quality at Camp Wishon check:  Camp Wishon

Fire History: On August 15, 2022 firefighters from the US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Tulare County and other cooperators responded to a fire in the Tule River Canyon near The Stairs on the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. Initial responding resources included 9 engines, 14 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 6 airtankers and an air attack. California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 continues to support firefighting efforts.

Fire Activity, Weather & Suppression: Continued minimal fire activity around the fire perimeter in the last 12 hours continues to assist crews and aircraft in making progress. Very warm and dry conditions are expected for today and Saturday with a slow cooling pattern and increase in humidity expected for Sunday. No significant wind issues are expected as we move into early next week. The fire will continue to smolder and produce occasional flare-ups within the perimeter of the fire as it makes contact with unburned fuel. On-going mop-up will have a big impact of limiting fire behavior and spread potential. Despite reduced fire activity, the safety of fire personnel, the public and the employees remains the highest of priorities. There have been two minor injuries reported. The individuals were transported to the hospital and released.

Power Restoration Estimate: For areas with power impacted by the Wishon Fire, Southern California Edison (SCE) reports that helicopters will be replacing poles and lines with power being restored in the next two days. Be prepared for short intermittent road closures of Hwy. 190 as SCE helicopters work in the area. SCE helps you prepare for wildfires and related power issues at: sce.com/wildfire

Air Quality: Current impacts to air quality from the Wishon Fire are expected to be minimal. To check on air quality for your area, or wherever you are visiting, check: airnow.gov. For the air quality at Camp Wishon check: Camp Wishon

Evacuations & Closures: No restrictions have been placed on public access except in areas of the fire perimeter and in areas of fire growth potential. The Tulare County Sheriff has lifted all evacuation warnings including Wishon Camp and Doyle Springs. The California Highway Patrol has lifted all road closures. Due to fire personnel, heavy equipment and utility companies working in the area, the public is advised to avoid traveling on Hwy. 190 and Wishon Drive.

“WILDFIRE IS COMING… ARE YOU READY?” CALFIRE provides a comprehensive online resource for all aspects of wildfire preparedness, post wildfire, where and who you can contact for support, as well as many other valuable resources. Visit: Wildfire is coming... Are you ready?

Firefighter & Public Safety: Firefighters and support resources are following CDC protocols as they pertain to COVID. We respect the safety and health of our crews as well as the public and we thank the public for welcoming us into your community and your continued patience.

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Fire Information: Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM                              Phone: 208-891-6270

Email:  denise.alonzo@usda.gov                                                           InciWeb Updates:  Wishon Fire

Facebook: Sequoia NF Facebook                                                       Twitter: Sequoia NF Twitter

Instagram: Sequoia NF Instagram                                                    Website: Sequoia NF Website

Location: Sequoia National Forest, Tule River Canyon                           Percent Contained: 45%

Fire Start Date: August 15, 2022                                                          Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0                  

Cause: Under Investigation                                                                   Suppression Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 350 acres                                                                                      Number of Personnel Assigned: 282

Fire History: On August 15, 2022 firefighters from the US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Tulare County and other cooperators responded to a fire in the Tule River Canyon near The Stairs on the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. Initial responding resources included 9 engines, 14 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 6 airtankers and an air attack. California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 continues to support firefighting efforts.

Fire Activity & Suppression Update: There has been very little observed fire activity around the fire perimeter in the last 12 hours which has continued to assist crews and aircraft in making progress. Above average temperatures as well as the potential for winds from regional thunderstorms will continue to be a threat. The fire is being driven primarily by topography and fuels which include, grass, heavy brush and oak. Firefighters continue to utilize natural barriers and fire lines from previous fire control lines. There have been no reported injuries.

Weather Forecast: Temperatures continue to be well above normal. And monsoonal moisture will allow for chances of afternoon thunderstorms near the fire area over the next few days. Winds will be primarily light and terrain-driven, except for the possibility of gusty and erratic outflow winds produced by thunderstorms.

Power Restoration Estimate: For areas with power impacted by the Wishon Fire, Southern California Edison (SCE) reports that helicopters will replace poles and lines with power restored in the next two day. SCE helps you prepare for wildfires and related power issues at: sce.com/wildfire

Air Quality: Current impacts to air quality from the Wishon Fire are expected to be minimal. To check on air quality for your area, or wherever you are visiting, check: airnow.gov.  For the air quality at Camp Wishon check:  Camp Wishon

Evacuations & Closures: The Tulare County Sheriff has lifted all evacuation warnings including Wishon Camp and Doyle Springs. And the California Highway Patrol has lifted all road closures. However due to the presence of fire personnel, heavy equipment and utility companies working in the area, the public is advised to avoid traveling on Hwy. 190 and Wishon Drive.

“WILDFIRE IS COMING… ARE YOU READY?” CALFIRE provides a comprehensive online resource for all aspects of wildfire preparedness, post wildfire, where and who you can contact for support, as well as many other valuable resources. Visit: Wildfire is coming... Are you ready?

Firefighter & Public Safety: Firefighters and support resources are following CDC protocols as they pertain to COVID. We respect the safety and health of our crews as well as the public and we thank the public for welcoming us into your community and your continued patience.