Committees – Page 4

Aug 23: Additional firefighters arrive to Quartz Fire; West Flattop Fire contained

Quartz Fire from the air August 21, 2022 - NPS — Quartz Fire from the air August 21, 2022 – NPS

From the press release . . .

Incident Commander: M. Lewelling
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099
Fire Information Phone: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm)
Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov

Additional firefighters arrive to Quartz Fire; West Flattop Fire contained

Current Situation: Fire activity moderated on the Quartz Fire yesterday due to slightly cooler temperatures and scattered rain. No significant growth was observed. Updated infrared mapping was not available last night, so the fire remains 1,678 acres.

Nine firefighters, known as a Wildland Fire Module, arrived to assist with management of the Quartz Fire. They will relieve Glacier National Park firefighters who had been assigned to the fire, freeing them to respond to any new fires detected from recent lighting. An additional engine with six firefighters has also arrived to assist with future initial attack needs.

Firefighters were successful in suppressing the West Flattop Fire at less than an acre. Three Glacier National Park firefighters were flown into the fire on Monday and contained the fire by late afternoon.

Weather: A low pressure system coming from the west will result in increased rain showers and thunderstorms over most of western Montana including Glacier National Park. There is a 60 percent chance of precipitation today, and those storms will bring a 50 percent chance of lighting. Today’s high temperatures are predicted to be 85-95° in valleys and 68-78° on ridges, with ridge top northeast winds of 5-10 mph becoming east later in the day.

Closures: Glacier National Park has enacted a Closure Order for the areas, campgrounds, and trails within the Quartz Lake drainage from the Continental Divide to the Inside North Fork Road for the protection of park visitors, employees, and natural resources. This includes the Quartz Lake Loop trails starting from just south of Bowman Lake toward Quartz Lake, as well as the Quartz Lake and Lower Quartz Lake Wilderness Campgrounds. A map of the closure is available on InciWeb.

Fire Restrictions: The fire danger rating in Glacier National Park is currently Very High. All park visitors are reminded that campfires are allowed only in designated fire grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown any campfire with water until cold to the touch before leaving it.

Air Quality: National air quality and smoke conditions can be monitored at https://fire.airnow.gov/. Visibility in different parts of Glacier National Park can vary from hour to hour, depending on fire and wind conditions both locally and throughout the west. Check the park’s webcams at https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm for current views.

Size: Approximately 1,678 acres
Total Personnel: 30
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8337/
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272

Quartz Fire Closure Map, August 18, 2022

Coal Ridge Fire update for August 23rd

Coal Ridge Fire, August 22, 2022 - USFS — Coal Ridge Fire, August 22, 2022 – USFS

This information was just received from Ryan Butler, Assistant Fire Management Officer-Operations for the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District. Note that the Coal Ridge Fire is listed as a 10 acre blaze this morning . . .

Yesterday the Coal Ridge fire was detected by Cyclone lookout. The local Flathead Helitack flew to the fire and gave a size up of: 1acre, torching, spotting, and making short uphill runs. The fire is on the upper third of the slope on a south aspect(see attached photo). Air attack was over the fire and used heavy air tankers and heavy helicopters to attempt to keep the fire from progressing over the ridge and down slope. Due to the steep rocky terrain we determined ground crews would not be successful suppressing this fire using direct tactics. Today we will have personnel hiking in trail 2 from the Moran creek side to assess fire conditions on the ground. We will also be posting signs at the trailhead of trails: 239,2 and 4. We are currently assessing area and trail closures. We will send out more information in the days to come…

The 909 fire was also detected yesterday. Its location is west of Cyclone lake between the 909 road and a decommissioned logging road. This fire is staffed and contained. No issues or concerns.

Coal Ridge and 909 fire locations - USFS — Coal Ridge and 909 fire locations – USFS

Weasel Fire update for the morning of August 23rd

Weasel Fire from Weasel Lake Road, August 22, 2022 - RJ McDole, USFS — Weasel Fire from Weasel Lake Road, August 22, 2022 – RJ McDole, USFS

(NOTE: Unless something exciting happens with the Weasel Fire, this will be the last morning update for this blaze. Instead, I’ll be passing along the official “Fact Sheet” which is usually released in the afternoon. – ww)

Summary: The Weasel fire remains active, gaining 408 acres since the last reliable estimate about three days ago. In the U.S., the fire is 20% contained; Canada is also establishing containment lines to the east.

According to this morning’s IR (heat mapping) pass, the Weasel Fire gained 408 acres since the last accurate estimate about three days ago and was estimated at 5001 acres. The fire is still active and expansion was broadly distributed. Better than half (55%) of the fire is in Canada. The fire is now 20% contained within the U.S. section; Canadian personnel have been establishing containment lines along the fire’s northeastern/eastern flank to block spread into the Flathead Valley. The blaze is currently burning in the Kootenai National Forest (19%), the far northwest corner of the North Fork in the Flathead Forest’s Glacier View district (26%), and in Canada (55%). See the attached map for fire location and extent.

The US and Canada are working together to control the Weasel Fire. From the InciWeb site: Jurisdictional collaboration is occurring between the Incident Management Team (IMT) in the United States located in Eureka, Montana and the BC Wildfire Service Incident Management Team in Canada, located in Cranbrook. The two IMT’s are closely coordinating on wildfire management and are sharing resources as required.

The area closure associated with the fire was finalized August 9 and includes segments of both the Kootenai and Flathead Forests. For the North Fork, this affects an area above Trail Creek Road north to the border and from the Whitefish Divide east to the Frozen Lake Road vicinity. Trail Creek Road remains open. See the attached map and closure order document. Also note that, beginning August 22, major work will be in progress in the Glacier View Ranger District on Trail Creek Road (NFS 114) that will restrict travel for about a month.

Monitor the Weasel Fire InciWeb site for additional information (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8290/); in Canada, visit the British Columbia Wildlife Service “Weasel Creek Fire” site (http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/OneFire.asp?ID=883). Also keep an eye on the NFLA website for fire-related postings.

Aug 22: Firefighters continue efforts on Quartz Fire; new start detected in Glacier

Quartz Fire August 18 evening - NPS — Quartz Fire August 18 evening – NPS

From the press release. The Quartz Fire picked up another 423 acres. There’s also some information about the Flattop Fire . . .

Incident Commander: M. Lewelling
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099
Fire Information Phone: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm)
Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov

Firefighters continue efforts on Quartz Fire; new start detected in Glacier

Current Situation: The Quartz Fire continued to spread primarily to the south and west yesterday, moving farther down the Quartz Lake shore. There was additional growth in a high basin on the northwest side of Logging Mountain. On the north end, the fire remains east and south of Quartz Creek. Fire activity moderated in the afternoon after rain fell in the fire area. An infrared flight mapped the fire at 1,678 acres last night.

Firefighters based at the foot of Quartz Lake completed plumbing sprinklers at the Quartz Lake wilderness campground yesterday and are expected to complete structure protection on a footbridge at the outlet of Quartz Lake today.

A new fire was reported in Glacier National Park after a Sunday afternoon lightning storm. Smoke from the West Flattop Fire was first observed from Swiftcurrent Lookout at 4:37 pm. The lightning was accompanied by rain, and fire growth was limited to one-tenth acre. Three Glacier National Park firefighters will be inserted via a Flathead National Forest helicopter this morning to suppress the fire on West Flattop Mountain.

Glacier National Park, along with interagency partners from the Flathead National Forest and Blackfeet Tribe, will continue to patrol for any additional fire starts from Sunday’s storm.

Weather: Today’s forecast is for continued hot weather with partly cloudy skies. There is a chance of rain showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms tonight, with continued rainfall possible through the week.

Size: Approximately 1,678 acres
Total Personnel: 25
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8337/
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272

Weasel Fire update for the morning of August 22nd

Weasel Fire from Thoma Lookout, August 20, 2022 at sunrise - Leif Haugen, USFS — Weasel Fire from Thoma Lookout, August 20, 2022 at sunrise – Leif Haugen, USFS

Summary: Clouds again hampered an accurate estimate of the Weasel Fire’s extent but the fire did not appear to have made significant gains. In the U.S., the fire is 20% contained; Canada is also establishing containment lines to the east.

Reminder: Heavy road work begins on NFS Road 114 (Trail Creek/Grave Creek Road) today. It may take up to four weeks for completion, during which time the road will be closed to through traffic. See this post for details.

According to Saturday morning’s IR (heat mapping) pass, the Weasel Fire gained 390 acres and was estimated at 4593 acres. (Cloudiness has prevented estimates for the last couple of days, so the current fire extent is likely a bit larger.) Better than half of this area — and most of the fire growth — is in Canada. Expansions were along Couldrey Creek on the northern flank and in Lincoln County along the southwest perimeter. The fire is now 20% contained within the U.S. section; Canadian personnel have been establishing containment lines along the fire’s northeastern/eastern flank to block spread into the Flathead Valley. The blaze is currently burning in the Kootenai National Forest, the far northwest corner of the North Fork in the Flathead Forest’s Glacier View district, and in Canada. See the attached map for fire location and extent.

Aug 21: Quartz Fire transitions to Type 3 Incident Management Team

Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin, structure wrap Aug 20 - NPS — Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin, structure wrap Aug 20 – NPS

From the press release . . .

Incident Commander: M. Lewelling
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099
Fire Information Phone: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm)
Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov

Quartz Fire transitions to Type 3 Incident Management Team

Current Situation: The Quartz Fire remained active yesterday afternoon and throughout the night, with isolated tree torching and movement on the southwestern flank within the remote Quartz drainage. Cloud cover last night made it impossible to accurately map the fire. Management of the Quartz Fire transitions to a Type 3 Incident Management Team under Incident Commander Mike Lewelling today.

Firefighters completed structure protection at the Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin yesterday and remain at that location to fine-tune protection efforts and evaluate fire behavior. Crews will also be working to reduce the risk to the wilderness campground and cultural resources in that area. Fire behavior and movement will continue to be evaluated from the air to plan future fire responses.

Initial attack resources will patrol both the west and east sides of Glacier National Park looking for any new fires which may have been ignited by last night’s lightning. Glacier National Park and Blackfeet Fire Agency engine crews are working cooperatively to patrol and respond to any new fire activity on the east side.

Weather: Today’s weather is predicted to be partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures will be 88-98 in valleys and 70-80 on ridges. Nighttime lows will be 44-55 in valleys and 55-60 on ridges. Winds are predicted to be from the southwest at 5-10 mph. Chance of lightning is 40 percent today and 50 percent tonight.

Fire Restrictions: The fire danger rating in Glacier National Park is currently Very High. All park visitors are reminded that campfires are allowed only in designated fire grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown any campfire with water until cold to the touch before leaving it.

Size: Approximately 1,255 acres
Total Personnel: 15
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8337/
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning

Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier

Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272

Weasel Fire update for the morning of August 21st

Weasel Fire from Thoma Lookout, August 19, 2022,1530 - Leif Haugen, USFS — Weasel Fire from Thoma Lookout, August 19, 2022,1530 – Leif Haugen, USFS

Summary: The weasel Fire added 390 acres on Friday, August 19, adding acreage at its southwest corner in Lincoln County and broadly along the northern perimeter in Canada. (There was no heat mapping pass this morning due to weather, so yesterday’s gains are unavailable.) In the U.S., the fire is 20% contained; Canada is also establishing containment lines to the east.

According to Saturday morning’s IR (heat mapping) pass, the Weasel Fire gained 390 acres and was estimated at 4593 acres. (There was no heat mapping pass this morning due to weather, so the current fire extent is likely a bit larger.) Better than half of this area — and most of the fire growth — is in Canada. Expansions were along Couldrey Creek on the northern flank and in Lincoln County along the southwest perimeter. The fire is now 20% contained within the U.S. section; Canadian personnel have been establishing containment lines along the fire’s northeastern/eastern flank to block spread into the Flathead Valley. The blaze is currently burning in the Kootenai National Forest, the far northwest corner of the North Fork in the Flathead Forest’s Glacier View district, and in Canada. See the attached map for fire location and extent.

Aug 20: Quartz Fire Continues to Burn Actively

From the official August 20 press release…

Current Situation: The Quartz Fire, mapped at 1163 acres last night, continues to burn within in the remote Quartz drainage of Glacier National Park. Yesterday’s hot and dry weather allowed the fire to grow to the south where it spread to the basin of Logging Mountain. On the west edge, the fire moved downhill to reach the northeast shore of Quartz Lake. Fire was limited to the east by steep rocky terrain and lack of fuel. Smoke may be visible from the North Fork and Flathead valleys.

The National Park Service responds to and manages every fire within park boundaries. Firefighters will complete structure protection preparations today near Quartz Lake. Land and air resources will continue patrolling the Quartz Fire, ready to respond as necessary to this fire, and to any new starts caused by lightning.

Fire behavior is anticipated to continue to progress to the southwest with backing and flanking and short occasional uphill runs. Smoke will continue to be visible from the North Fork and Flathead valleys as well as some haze to the east.

Weather: Today’s weather is predicted to continue to be hot with high temperatures of 90-100 degrees in the valleys and 75-85 degrees on ridges. Winds are expected to transition to a more typical westerly/southwesterly flow. There is a 30 percent chance of lightning today and a 40 percent chance of lightning tonight.

Fire Restrictions: The fire danger rating in Glacier National Park is currently Very High. All park visitors are reminded that campfires are allowed only in designated fire grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown campfires with water until cold to the touch before leaving it.

Size: Approximately 1163 acres	Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 9	Cause: Lightning
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022	Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8337/	Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272

Quartz Fire morning update for August 19

Summary: The Quartz Fire in Glacier Park was quite active over the past couple of days, filling the area full of smoke. It is currently estimated at 802 acres, based on this morning’s heat imagery.

According to this morning’s IR (heat mapping) pass, The Quartz Fire is at 802 acres, with the most intense heat being along the southern perimeter. The Quartz Fire continued to grow yesterday (Thursday, Aug 18) due to east northeast winds. Progression slowed since Wednesday’s initial run, but fire behavior remained active.

Firefighters have initiated structure and area protection for the Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin, Quartz Lake Wilderness Campground, and a footbridge at the foot of Quartz Lake.

Glacier National Park has enacted a closure order for the areas, campgrounds, and trails within the Quartz Lake drainage from the Continental Divide to the Inside North Fork Road for the protection of park visitors, employees, and natural resources. This includes the Quartz Lake Loop trails starting from just south of Bowman Lake toward Quartz Lake, as well as the Quartz Lake and Lower Quartz Lake Wilderness Campgrounds.

Monitor the Quartz Fire InciWeb site for additional information (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8337/). Also keep an eye on the NFLA website for fire-related postings.

Weasel Fire update for the morning of August 19th

Weasel Fire - Photo from Thoma Lookout August 17, 2022, 1830 - Leif Haugen — Weasel Fire – Photo from Thoma Lookout August 17, 2022, 1830 – Leif Haugen

Summary: The weasel Fire added 251 acres yesterday, adding acreage at its southwest corner in Lincoln County and along the northern perimeter in Canada. In the U.S., it is 20% contained; Canada is also establishing containment lines to the east.

According to this morning’s IR (heat mapping) pass, the Weasel Fire gained 251 acres yesterday and is now estimated at 4203 acres. Better than half of this area — and most of the fire growth — is in Canada. Expansions yesterday were along Couldrey Creek on the northern flank and in Lincoln County along the southwest perimeter. The fire is now 20% contained within the U.S. section; Canadian personnel have been establishing containment lines along the fire’s northeastern/eastern flank to block spread into the Flathead Valley. The blaze is currently burning in the Kootenai National Forest, the far northwest corner of the North Fork in the Flathead Forest’s Glacier View district, and in Canada. See the attached map for fire location and extent.