News Release

Howe Ridge Fire & Boundary Fire, August 29, 2018

Date: August 29, 2018
Contact: Media/Fire Information, 406-578-8256

The Howe Ridge Fire:
A cool and overcast weather pattern has continued to moderate fire activity on the Howe Ridge Fire. The fire is backing and creeping in isolated areas near Camas Creek and smoldering in the northern perimeter. Fire activity is expected to increase today, with a warmer, drying weather pattern beginning, but no major fire growth is expected. Crews continue to monitor the fire’s activity and take action when needed. Containment lines, such as hoses, pumps and sprinklers are in place to protect the Going-to-the-Sun Road and facilities along the road corridor in the event the fire spreads northeast. Crews will maintain structure protection along the North Lake McDonald Road, and firefighters have completed significant work to reinforce containment lines on the south side of the fire. 

Evacuations:
Evacuation orders are in place for the North McDonald Road (private residences and the Lake McDonald Ranger Station), Lake McDonald Lodge area (all businesses, employees, and private residences), private residences along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Sprague Creek, Avalanche, and Fish Creek Campgrounds.

Evacuation Warnings:
The evacuation warning for the Apgar and Grist Road areas has been lifted. The evacuation warning for the area north of the Bowman Lake Road junction with the Inside North Fork Road, associated with the Whale Butte Fire, has also been lifted.  

Road and Trail Closures: 
The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains open between St. Mary and Logan Pass. It is closed between the foot of Lake McDonald (near Apgar) and Logan Pass. North McDonald and Fish Creek Roads are closed. The Inside North Fork Road is closed from Fish Creek to Logging Creek. Trail closures are associated with this fire; full trail closures are reflected on the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/glac.

The Boundary Fire:
The cool and wet weather slowed fire activity on the Boundary Fire, with some interior burning and moderate fire activity on the east side. A drying, warmer weather pattern is forecasted for the area beginning today, with the potential for winds up to 40 miles per hour on ridges. Fire managers are monitoring fire activity and will assess opportunities to reinforce trails to serve as fire breaks. Structure protection remains in place at Goat Haunt. 

Trail Closures:
All trails originating at Goat Haunt are closed at this time. Boat tours operated by Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company are once again landing at Goat Haunt. Visitors will be limited to the boat dock pavilion and restroom area. Visitors should be aware that firefighters and structural protection equipment such as hoses lays and pumps will be in place.

General Fire Information: 
Fire Restrictions: Glacier National Park and most of western Montana are under Stage II Fire Restrictions. No campfires are permitted in Glacier’s frontcountry or backcountry. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed building, vehicle, developed recreation area, or barren area three feet in diameter. Propane stoves that have an on/off switch are permitted.

Most of Glacier National Park, the Flathead National Forest, and tourism opportunities throughout northwest Montana are open and operating as usual.

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in the fire area.

The smoke outlook for northwest Montana is available at: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/NWMontana

Email:
[e-mail]

Website:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6135/ Howe Ridge Fire

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6170/ Boundary Fire