EDITORIAL: Safety first, but enjoy Flathead

Up until this week, Northwest Montana has been remarkably fortunate to avoid major fires during a year with above average temperatures and below average precipitation.

We can thank ourselves for some of that good fortune. For instance, the community’s concern resulted in a fireworks ban for most of the region for the Fourth of July. We also believe caution has been the watchword for most outdoors enthusiasts this summer.

But maybe it was inevitable that our good luck would come to an end, as it did Tuesday afternoon when a small fire at Grizzly Point six miles east of Logan Pass put substantial acreage in Glacier National Park at risk.

Park officials went into action quickly, evacuating backcountry campers as well as several general campgrounds and hotels on the east side around St. Mary. Firefighters have converged on the scene, and we know they are doing everything humanly possible to preserve the scenic vistas of the park.

In the meantime, we encourage visitors not to be dismayed because part of the Sun Road is closed. In addition to getting to observe a rare wildfire in Glacier Park, you have the opportunity to enjoy an endless array of amenities in the park and the rest of Northwest Montana that will not be affected by the fire at all.

Consider a trip to Many Glacier, a visit to Lake McDonald, or a raft trip starting in West Glacier. Visit Columbia Falls for the annual Heritage Days celebration this weekend, or catch the world-class equestrian competition known as the Event at Rebecca Farm. Check out the summer programs at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Dining, shopping, first-class theater, zip lines, bike trails, boating on Flathead Lake — the possibilities are endless.

Stay safe, but enjoy your stay.

UM fundraisers celebrate

The word came yesterday that the University of Montana ended its private fundraising for fiscal year 2015 with a total of $52.6 million, just short of last year’s record-breaking $53.7 million.

Think about it. That generosity is astounding. More than $105 million in two years to help support higher education in Montana. No wonder our state universities have a reputation for excellence.

Tonight in Bigfork, more than 200 donors as well as college administrators will join together to celebrate the success of the fund-raising campaign.

We welcome them to the Flathead, and thank them for their mission.