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Sprague Fire Prompts Evacuation Order Issued For Part Of Glacier National Park

Published Date

September 3, 2017

With an approaching cold front pushing gusting winds toward Glacier National Park, officials on Sunday issued an evacuation order for an area stretching from the south end of Lake McDonald north to Logan Pass.

While the North McDonald Road was included in the order, the Apgar area of the park was not, and Logan Pass remained accessible from St.Mary on the east side of the park. Everyone within the area covered by the evacuation order had to be out by 6 p.m. Sunday.

The order was spurred by a "red flag" warning the National Weather Service issued effective through 9 p.m. Monday.

"The approaching cold front is a marker of extreme fire behavior. The predicted high winds from the east this evening could increase activity on the west side of the Sprague Fire," a park release said. "Continued low humidity and warm temperatures are also expected. Based on fire activity and behavior last night across the region, it is in everyone’s best interest to evacuate the area so firefighters can most effectively and efficiently fight the fire."

Structure protection work was continuing Sunday in the Lake McDonald Lodge area. The Fort Apache Hotshots were working in the Lake McDonald area installing hose lays, sprinklers, and pumps as contingency measures given the predicted east winds. Historic artifacts were being removed from the Lake McDonald Lodge.

Firefighters planned to begin a night shift Sunday evening to monitor the fire. Fire bosses were setting priorities for structure protection needs for backcountry cabins, campgrounds, structures in the Lake McDonald area, and trail infrastructure such as footbridges.

With the evacuation order in place, the American Red Cross was offering shelter for those impacted by the evacuation at the Canyon Elementary School, 200 North Street, Hungry Horse, MT, 59919. The shelter was to open at 5 p.m. Sunday. Information about shelter services can be obtained by calling 800-272-6668.

Most areas of Glacier remained open. All areas of the North Fork, Apgar Village, the Going-to-the-Sun Road between St. Mary and Logan Pass, Granite Park Chalet, Two Medicine, St. Mary, Many Glacier, and Goat Haunt were open. 

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