News Release

Saturday Lightning Starts Multiple Fires in Park

Howe Ridge Fire, Sunday morning August 12, 2018

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 12, 2018

Contact: Lauren Alley, 406-888-5838

West Glacier, MT – Park and interagency firefighters are responding to multiple fire starts following lightning activity the night of August 11.
 
Three known fires have started.
 
The Heavens Sake Fire, below Heavens Peak is visible from the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Rappellers are on order to take suppression action on that fire.

Smoke jumpers have been ordered for a fire near Numa Ridge because there is a suitable location for the jumpers to respond.

A fire on Howe Ridge burned actively throughout the night. Visitors will likely see CL-215s (super scoopers) scooping water out of Lake McDonald to fight that fire. Ground resources are also hiking in.

 The following trails have been closed due to fire danger: Numa Lookout Trail, Trout Lake Trails, Howe Ridge and Howe Lake Trails.
 
No evacuation orders have been issued for residents that live in the park.
 
The park does not have acreage estimates at this time.
 
The park has established a Fire Information Line with updated recorded information about these fires: 406-888-7077.
 
Weather conditions have been hot and dry. The park was under a red flag warning until 12:00 am last night. That environment created a favorable environment for fire starts and fire growth.