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Wildfires Close U.S. 2 South Of Glacier National Park, Force Evacuation

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Published Date

August 28, 2015
Sheep Fire, Flathead National Forest/inciweb

The Sheep Fire's proximity to Essex forced evacuation of the town and also closed a stretch of U.S. 2 that runs along the southern border of Glacier National Park/Steve Houser

Wildfires have tormented those in Glacier National Park this summer, and ongoing fires in and around the park have kept firefighters busy and led to the closure of U.S. Highway 2 that runs along the park's southern border, and forced the evacuation of Essex, Montana.

While the Reynolds Creek Fire continues to smolder just east of the Continental Divide inside the park, it is not threatening the Going-to-the-Sun Road at this time. The Thompson Fire to the south of the Going-to-the-Sun Road has slowly increased in size to cover more than 17,000 acres, but is not impacting visitation to the park.

The greatest threat seems tied to the Sheep Fire burning south of the park and U.S. 2 in the Flathead National Forest. Burning in steep terrain about 2 miles south of Essex, the fire led officials on Thursday to order an evacuation of the community and to close U.S. 2 between mileposts 176.8 and 185. BNSF Railway and Amtrak trains were running intermittenly on the tracks that parallel the highway.

With the forecast calling for gusty winds and low humidity Friday afternoon, fire bosses were expecting "active fire behavior, including short crown runs and short range spotting" on the fires.

"Weather conditions will be changing going into the weekend. A cold front is approaching on Sunday with maximum temperatures expected to drop 10-15 degrees," the fire report read. "In advance of this front, winds are expected to increase Friday and Saturday. Humidity will increase with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms with this advancing front. Winds will be from the southwest increasing to 15-20 mph with gusts of 25-35 on the ridges possible on Saturday.

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Comments

Submitted by Doug on August 28, 2015 - 1:18pm.

Glacier National Park 100% open. Going to the Sun Road is 100% open for appropriate sized vehicles for travel in both directions. West Glacier Elementary school has Red Cross assistance so stop in and register to help or receive assistance. Locals donating places for people to stay if needed. Local businesses lending helping hands. Community rallying to support our Essex neighbors and visitors! Stay safe friends!


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