WEST GLACIER – Cooler weather is helping fire crews make some headway on the Howe Ridge fire which continues to burn about the north shore of Lake McDonald.
The lightning-sparked blaze, which exploded on Sunday, has slowed its growth although the latest maps show it has burned nearly 2,500 acres.
The fire continues to burn in an area which includes some burn scar left from the fires in 2003, and the latest maps show most of the hot spots are along the northeast flank of the fire, with some active burning to the west.
There are 60 people currently assigned to fight the fire.
Evacuations remain in effect for Lake McDonald Lodge, the North Lake McDonald Road, and the Avalanche and Sprague Campgrounds. Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed on the west side up to Logan Pass.
Several cabins and historic structures have already been lost to the Howe Ridge fire.
