Feds investigating suspicious North Fork fires

Glacier National Park on Thursday was investigating several fire starts in the North Fork area. All fires were contained and did not pose a threat.

Park officials received a report of multiple wildland fires early Thursday morning which led to a multi-agency response from local county, state, and federal agencies consisting of wildland fire crews, hotshot crews, engine crews and law enforcement.

One of the fires included the historic 1928 Ford Creek patrol cabin used by rangers for winter patrols. The structure is a total loss.

The fires are suspicious in nature and currently under investigation, the park stated in a media release. Several investigators were on the ground, along with the FBI and National Park Service Investigative Services Branch assisting remotely.

Portions of the park are closed due to the investigation, including Inside North Fork Road from Polebridge to Logging Creek, and Kintla Road beyond the Bowman Lake turnoff.

Park officials are asking members of the public who may have witnessed any suspicious activity on the night of July 22 or early morning of July 23 to call the Glacier NP tip line at 406-888-7077 and leave a message.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service Hungry Horse and Tally Lake Districts, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Evergreen Fire Department and the North Fork community residents for their assistance.

No further details were available.