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.
