Fire closes big section of Sun Road, no through traffic

by CHRIS PETERSON
Hungry Horse News | July 22, 2015 5:41 AM

A wildfire in Glacier National Park Tuesday has forced the closure of the Going-to-the-Sun Road from Logan Pass to St. Mary. On the west side, the road is now closed at Big Bend. The fire was first reported near Grizzly Point, about six miles east of Logan Pass about 3:45 p.m.

Within a few hours it was estimated to be 2,000 to 3,000 acres and had crossed the Sun Road. The Reynolds Creek Fire was burning in the St. Mary Valley near Reynolds Creek campground and on the east flank of Going-to-the Sun Mountain.

One private vehicle was burned in the fire. Park rangers are sweeping the backcountry for anyone who may be in the fire's path.

The parking areas of the St. Mary Visitor Center and the Apgar Visitor Center have been established as gathering areas for park visitors that may have been separated from their group.

By evening the fire had slowed somewhat, but was still torching trees. The weather took a turn Wednesday morning with clouds and light rain on the west side of Glacier, but it was too smoky to see if it was raining over the fire.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, meaning high fire conditions and high winds, for this afternoon. Preplanning is being conducted for possible evacuation in the St. Mary area. National Park Service personnel are working in cooperation with Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Emergency Management.

All campgrounds and the Rising Sun Motor Inn were evacuated. The fire is burning in heavy timber with many dead and dying trees that have been either killed by beetle infestations or by spruce budworm in the past few years. The St. Mary campground was evacuated this morning.

There is no access to any trails or backcountry areas from the Going-to-the-Sun Road at this time east of the divide. Backcountry visitors are encouraged to contact the park’s backcountry office for more information. The Avalanche Lake Trail and the trail to Sperry Chalet are still open. The trail over Gunsight Pass is closed. Granite Park chalet remains open as well.

All interpretive programs in the St. Mary Valley are cancelled until further notice. There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.

A Type II Interagency Incident Command Team has been ordered and should arrive on Wednesday. Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, and Cut Bank, Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Evergreen and West Valley Fire Departments and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park.

A fire information phone line has been established at 406-732-7791.