News Release

Howe Ridge and Boundary Fires Update Thursday, September 20, 2018; 8:30 am

Date: September 20, 2018
Contact: Fire Information, 406-578-8256

West Glacier, MT. - Weather: This morning there will be increasing cloud cover with a chance of rain showers. There is a chance of both rain and snow showers in the afternoon, with snow levels at 7500 feet. Temperatures will range from 45-55 degrees in the Flathead Valley and 40-50 degrees at the Boundary Fire. Southwest winds will be 10-15 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. The next few days will bring increasing chances of wetting rain to the fires.

Howe Ridge: Today, crews will monitor fire activity above the Going to the Sun Road, between the inside North Fork Road and Howe Creek, and along Camas Ridge. Crews will also be doing trail rehabilitation in the Camas Creek and Rocky Point areas. As traffic increases, so does danger to firefighters working along the road. Please stay aware and keep eyes on the road, as firefighters and park crews are working in the area.

Boundary: Smoke remains active and visible in an avalanche chute on the east side of the fire, with very little smoke showing on the rest of the fire. Today, fire personnel will return to monitor fire behavior and firelines. Parks Canada and US Fire Managers continue to coordinate efforts closely and are in constant communication about the fire activity and response.

GENERAL FIRE INFORMATION
The majority of Glacier National Park is open. The Howe Ridge fire is burning in less than 1% of Glacier’s 1 million acres. The temporary closure area for public safety and fire suppression access is less than 5% of the park.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road has opened to private vehicle travel. It is now possible to drive the entire length of the road. Drivers will not be able to stop along the road between Lake McDonald Lodge and the Avalanche Creek developed area. Avalanche is open for day use recreation, including day use areas, restrooms, the Trail of the Cedars, and the Avalanche Lake Trail. Flattop Trail and The Loop Trail are also open.

Closures: The North Lake McDonald road is closed as well as the Inside North Fork Road from Fish Creek to Logging Creek due to the Howe Ridge Fire. Trail closures are associated with the Howe Ridge and Boundary fires; full trail closures are reflected on the park’s website at: https:///www.nps.gov/applications/glac/infobull/closures.cfm.

Aircraft Assigned:
A Type 1 and a Type 3 helicopter are currently assigned to the incident. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Howe Ridge Fire. Drones can shut down critical fire operations, and launching, landing or operating drones is prohibited in Glacier National Park.