Date: September 13, 2017
Contact: Lauren Alley, 406-888-5838
Contact: Sprague Fire Information Line:, 406-387-9092
For the latest information on the Sprague Fire, please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5510/
West Glacier, MT - Due to the predicted east wind event this evening as a cold front moves from the east, current or projected threats from hazards associated with the Sprague Fire are severe enough to indicate a good probability of the need to evacuate.
Based on recommendations from the Sprague Fire Incident Management Team, Glacier National Park and the Flathead County Sheriff have issued an Evacuation Warning effective September 13, 2017 at 12 pm for all residents and visitors in the Apgar Village and portions of West Glacier. This includes the Apgar Visitor Center, Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins, Glacier National Park employee housing, West Glacier Park Headquarters, Glacier Institute Field Camp, Alberta Visitor Center, some West Glacier motels, concession housing, and private residences.
Portions of West Glacier under evacuation warning include: West Glacier village, Highline Blvd. neighborhood, Golf Course neighborhood, Wild River Dr. / Grouse Ridge Rd. neighborhood, and west toward Sloan Lane neighborhood
An Evacuation Warning is issued when current or projected threats from hazards associated with the Sprague Fire are severe enough to indicate a good probability of the need to evacuate. A warning is equivalent to the “Set” in the Ready, Set, Go notification system.http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/forestry/docs/fire-and-aviation/prevention/final-montana-rsg-guide.pdf
The Sprague Fire Incident Management Team made the recommendation in preparation for this evening’s forecasted high east winds, which could increase activity on the west side of the Sprague Fire.
This fire season, Montana residents who live in fire prone areas should be prepared for the possibility of evacuation warnings and orders at all times. Visitors and residents under an Evacuation Warning should maintain their situational awareness.
Remember the Five P's of an Evacuation Warning:
- People and Pets (and other livestock too)
- Papers (important documents)
- Prescriptions (medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.)
- Pictures (and other irreplaceable memories)
- Personal computer (e.g., information on hard drives and disks)
Some trails and backcountry campgrounds are closed due to fire activity. Please check
backcountry://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm for current trail and backcountry campground status.
Most areas of the park remain OPEN including areas of the North Fork, backcountry Village, the Going-to-the-Sun Road between St. Mary and Logan Pass, Granite Park Chalet, Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Many Glacier. Please check the park website for current conditions at https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
