Howe Ridge Fire expands to 3,500 acres

The Howe Ridge Fire in Glacier National Park burned actively throughout Wednesday night, expanding an additional 900 acres to 3,500 total acres burned.

According to park information, there is concern that the fire could expand to the southwest and northeast as a ridge of high pressure is expected to break Thursday afternoon that could result in gusty winds.

As of Thursday, no further evacuations were in place.

Dozens of historic cabins along Lake McDonald were destroyed when the lightning-caused fire made its initial run Aug. 12, expanding from a few acres to 1,500 acres overnight.

Some of those cabin owners were allowed to access their properties Wednesday to assess the damage. Some areas, however, were deemed unsafe and those landowners were not able to extensively access their property area, but were able to view it.

Most of the historic Kelly’s Camp cabins were consumed in the fire, as were some of the accessory buildings at the historic Wheeler Cabin.

Structural protection crews on Thursday continued to work to reduce risk to buildings at the head of Lake McDonald and Kelly’s Camp.

On Wednesday, single tree torching and spotting produced growth to the southwest of the fire perimeter. Additional spotting and growth were observed on the north edge of the fire along the southern slope of Mount Stanton, as well as the northwest edge of the fire toward Rogers Lake.

Poor visibility prevented the Canadian “super scoopers” from flying Wednesday. Two helicopters, a “K-Max” Type 1 and “Huey” Type 2, dropped water on the edges of the fire throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening in order to slow fire growth.

There are approximately 78 personnel assigned to the fire. Thursday’s efforts included structural protection and ground crews will continue to establish a hose lay at the north end of Lake McDonald. Air support will continue to be used as conditions allow.

The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team, under the command of John Pierson, is on the site and will be taking over management of this fire at 6 a.m. Friday.

Closures and evacuations remain in place for Avalanche and Sprague campgrounds, North Lake McDonald Road, Lake McDonald Lodge Complex and private residences along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass. Apgar Village, Apgar Campground and Fish Creek campground remain open. The Sun Road is open between St. Mary and Logan Pass on the park’s east side.

The Apgar area entered “Ready” status, which is creating defensible space around structures, assembling emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place, planning escape routes and making sure all residents in a home know the plan.

The Inside North Fork road is closed and multiple trail closures are associated with this fire. However, the park emphasizes that most areas of the park are open.

The park has established a Fire Information Line at 406-888-7077. Recorded information is available if a fire information officer is not available to answer the phone.

The number is expected to change when the Type 1 Incident Management Team assumes control of the fire tomorrow.

Glacier National Park and most of Western Montana are under Stage 2 fire restrictions. No campfires are permitted in Glacier’s frontcountry or backcountry. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed building, vehicle, developed recreation area, or barren area three feet in diameter. Propane stoves that have an on/off switch are permitted.

An air quality alert was issued Thursday for Flathead, Glacier, Liberty, Lincoln, Pondera, Sanders and Toole counties.

The alert is due to smoke from wildfires in Northwest Montana, Idaho, Washington and British Columbia. Particulate levels are ranging between unhealthy and unhealthy for sensitive groups in Northwest Montana and extending to the east of Glacier National Park.

More specifically, levels are rated as unhealthy in the Libby area and unhealthy for sensitive groups in Columbia Falls, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone.