GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – Fire managers are reporting little change is being seen at the Howe Ridge and Boundary wildfires that are burning in Glacier National Park.
A community meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4th at 6 p.m. to discuss the blazes. The meeting will be held at the Glacier National Park Community Building near the park headquarters at 64 Grinnell Drive in West Glacier. Once at headquarters, follow the signs to the Community Building.
Howe Ridge Fire
Fire managers report the 12,496 acre Howe Ridge fire was active on Sunday as the blaze moved through fuels on the southwest perimeter. It continues to burn in heavy downfall and regrowth in the burn scar from the 2003 Robert Fire near the Inside North Fork Road.
There are over 300 people fighting the lightning-sparked blaze which has destroyed several cabins and structures along Lake McDonald since first being spotted on August 11th.
A small portion of the fire is expected to reach the Inside North Fork Road on Monday but fire managers say that minimal behavior is expected in all other areas of the fire.
Crews are working to remove hazard trees and debris on and along North Lake McDonald Road to clear the road and allow firefighters safe access to the area. Crews are continuing to monitor areas displaying fire activity along the southeast aspect of Mt. Vaught.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for the North McDonald Road, the Lake McDonald Ranger Station, the Lake McDonald Lodge area, private residences along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the Sprague Creek, Avalanche, and Fish Creek campgrounds.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed for 30 miles from the foot of Lake McDonald near Apgar to Logan Pass. North McDonald and Fish Creek roads also remain closed as does the Inside North Fork Road is closed from Fish Creek to Logging Creek.
It’s cost an estimated $8.18 million to fight the Howe Ride fire which remains 12% contained.
Boundary Fire
The Boundary fire which has burned a little over 1,700 acres in the Boundary Creek area near the Canadian border has seen little growth over the past several days as well.
Fire managers say that on Sunday helicopters continued to drop water on active areas of the fire which is primarily being driven by terrain and wind and is most active on the northeast flank.
Canada and U.S. fire managers are continuing to coordinate efforts closely and are in constant communication about fire activity and response.
There are 11 people assigned to fight the Boundary fire which was first reported on August 23rd. The blaze is 0% contained.
