You are here

Home » Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Lake McDonald Complex At Glacier National Park

Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Lake McDonald Complex At Glacier National Park

Share

Published Date

August 12, 2018
The Howe Ridge fire forced the evacuation of the Lake McDonald complex Sunday night/NPS

The Howe Ridge fire, photographed earlier Sunday, forced the evacuation of the Lake McDonald complex Sunday night/NPS

Gusting winds and dry forest conditions sped the growth of a wildfire in Glacier National Park late Sunday, prompting the evacuation of the Lake McDonald Complex as well as the Avalanche Creek Campground.

Glacier, located in northern Montana against the Canadian border, had largely avoided this summer's wildfire season until a series of lightning strikes late Saturday ignited a series of fires. One of those blazes, the Howe Ridge Fire northwest of Lake McDonald, blew up Sunday evening.

Park officials ordered the evacuation of all businesses and private residences within the Lake McDonald Lodge complex, including the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, Sunday night. Visitors and employees were notified of the need to evacuate at around 9 p.m. local time. The Going-to-the-Sun Road was closed from Lake McDonald Lodge to Logan Pass. The Avalanche Creek Campground and residences along North Lake McDonald Road were notified of the need to evacuate at around 8 p.m. Sunday.

The structures threatened by the fire were at the north end of Lake McDonald. Firefighters and firefighting resources were on the scene Sunday night. The south end of Lake McDonald, including the Grist Road and Apgar Village, were not under evacuation.

The fire was one of several started Saturday night by lightning strikes. Earlier Sunday the Howe Fire was easily observed from the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Lake McDonald area. CL-215 (Canadian “superscooper”) airplanes flew for four hours Sunday, dropping water from Lake McDonald, but this was not effective in stopping fire growth, park officials said. The planes were then redirected to other fires outside of the park. Firefighters attempted to hike to the fire, but were not immediately able to attack the fire due to active fire behavior and concerns for firefighter safety.

The Heavens Sake Fire was ignited below Heavens Peak, and a fire was reported near Numa Ridge in the park.

Related Stories:

Timed Entry Reservations For Glacier NP Become Available February 13
USFWS To Keep Grizzlies Under Endangered Species Act Protection
4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks: Steep Lodging Rates Price Out Some Visitors

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

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.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact 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.