Several small fires in Glacier controlled or out

Glacier National Park fire crews have squashed several small fires in the North Fork area.

The fires weren’t large, about a tenth of an acre or so. There was one at Grace, Quartz, and Logging lakes, and Cummings Meadow.

The fires are either out or controlled, park officials said Thursday.

The trails and campgrounds in the area were reopened late Thursday afternoon after being closed as a precaution.

The fires were caused by a lightning storm Monday night.

Crews on the Gibralter Ridge Fire east of Eureka made good progress on Thursday thanks to favorable weather.

The fire is estimated at 1,493 acres and 219 firefighters are on the scene.

Crews on Thursday were removing fuels along roadways to slow the spreading fire. Scooper planes were also dropping water on the fire and assisting ground crews with spot fires.

Evacuation orders are still in place for homes along Sherman Creek, Griffith Creek, Therriault Pass Road and Stevens Creek. Residents of these areas were given temporary access to their homes Thursday morning to collect belongings and check on their properties. Other areas, including Glen Lake and Sinclair Creek are under pre-evacuation orders.

A public meeting is set for Friday at 6 p.m. at Eureka High School.