Glacier wildfire grows to 100 acres
A wildfire in Glacier National Park blocking trail access to the Sperry Chalet continued to actively burn Tuesday, having charred about 100 acres since it started Aug. 10. Citing forecasts of more dry weather, fire managers believe the Sprague Fire may continue to burn in some capacity throughout the summer before a snow event this fall.
Despite the cooler weather the past two days, little rain has fallen on the fire burning in steep, heavily forested terrain on the west side of the park. Due to very dry fuels and predicted dry weather, fire managers expect to see continued fire growth over the next several weeks.
The fire is located above Crystal Ford on the Gunsight Trail below Mount Edwards. This is the main access trail to the Sperry Chalet from Lake McDonald. Depending on fire behavior, the Sperry Chalet may remain closed for the rest of the season, according to park spokesperson Lauren Alley.
The park is managing the lightning-caused fire using a “confine and contain” suppression strategy. The objective is to keep the fire within natural and human-made fire breaks due to the steep terrain, concern for firefighter safety, and scarcity of firefighter resources.
The structures at Sperry Chalet are not immediately threatened at this time, however the park is prepared to implement structural protection precautions as necessary.
Sperry Chalet has 17 guest rooms that hold between 40-50 overnight guests each night during the summer season. The chalet was scheduled to close for the season on Sept. 11.
Thus far, ground firefighting resources have not been able to access the fire safely for direct action. Crews are evaluating the terrain and identifying natural fire breaks.
If the fire moves off of the steep slopes, crews will be able to conduct ground firefighting operations.
Aerial resources will be used when possible, the park states.
Other fires within the park have been contained or are being staffed with firefighters.
The Adair Peak fire in the North Fork area was evaluated on Aug. 14. It is burning in heavy duff in a remote area and would require a substantial firefighter commitment to extinguish in the short-term. Due to this, the park will continue to evaluate and assess this fire, but will direct firefighting resources to other fires unless fire behavior changes.
Fire managers expect that the Adair Peak fire may grow somewhat. No structures are immediately threatened.
Glacier has resumed issuing backcountry permits for designated backcountry campgrounds. Some backcountry campgrounds are closed due to fire activity. All front country campgrounds remain open.
Check https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm for updated backcountry status. Trail closures remain in effect for the Howe Ridge Trail, Camas Trail, Trout Lake Trail, the Gunsight Pass Trail from Lake McDonald to Gunsight Pass (including all secondary trails such as the Snyder Lake Trail), and the Lincoln Lake Trail.
Most areas of the park are open including all areas of the North Fork, Apgar Village, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Granite Park Chalet, Two Medicine, St. Mary, Many Glacier and Goat Haunt. Please check the park website for updated trail and road information at http://bit.ly/2uAE96d