WEST GLACIER – Part of the west side of Glacier National Park is being evacuated due to a nearby wildfire.
The Howe Ridge Fire northwest of Lake McDonald grew on Sunday evening as the blaze was pushed by windy weather.
Park spokeswoman Lauren Alley says that the Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed from Lake McDonald Lodge to Logan Pass. Meanwhile, Avalanche Creek Campground visitors are being evacuated by park rangers.
An evacuation order is now in place for North Lake McDonald Road to Logan Pass, including Avalanche Creek Campground, effective immediately.
Alley says the evacuation impacts about 50 individuals who own private homes, several National Park Service employees residing at the Lake McDonald Ranger Station, and campers at the 87-site Avalanche Creek Campground.
The threatened structures are located at the north end of Lake McDonald. A structure protection team has been requested. The south end of Lake McDonald including the Grist Road and Apgar Village are not under evacuation and Lake McDonald Lodge remains open at this time.
The park has established a Fire Information Line with updated recorded information at (406) 888-7077.
