You are here

Home » Glacier National Park Wildfire Now At 4,000 Acres, Destroys Historic Cabin

Glacier National Park Wildfire Now At 4,000 Acres, Destroys Historic Cabin

Share

Published Date

July 23, 2015
Smoke From The Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park/NPS

Light rain Wednesday failed to slow the Reynolds Creek Fire, captured Wednesday night in this photo/NPS

Light rain showers failed to slow the progress of a wildfire in Glacier National Park that has consumed a visitor's vehicle and an historic backcountry patrol cabin and shut down roughly half of the Going-to-the-Sun Road as it expanded to roughly 4,000 acres.

The Reynolds Creek Fire, spotted Tuesday afternoon about six miles east of Logan Pass, has led to closure of the Rising Sun Motor Inn, the Rising Sun Campground, and the St. Mary Campground. The park's visitor center at St. Mary was closed to the public so it could be used as a staging area for firefighters. Authorities Wednesday also called for the evacuation of the west side of Lower St. Mary Lake and were evaluating whether to evacuate the east shore of Lower St. Mary Lake.

The townsite of St. Mary also was being evaluated for possible evacuation. The National Park Service evacuated the employee housing area and administrative area Wednesday evening. 

The fire, unaffected by rain showers Wednesday evening, was moving quickly in dry, heavy timber with extreme spread potential, according to a park release.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road remained closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side to provide for firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. One vehicle parked along the road and abandoned in the face of the fire was consumed by flames, park officials said.

Rangers helped escort some backpackers in the vicinity of the fire from the area. 

Related Stories:

USFWS To Keep Grizzlies Under Endangered Species Act Protection
4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks: Steep Lodging Rates Price Out Some Visitors
Glacier National Park Working To Improve Visitor Experience

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.