Current Situation: The first infrared flights over the Quartz Fire have now provided more accurate mapping of approximately 800 acres as of Thursday night.
On Thursday, the fire continued to burn actively with short crown and uphill runs but exhibited less growth than the previous day. The fire remains on the west side of the Continental Divide in the Quartz Lake drainage.
Firefighters are stationed at the foot of Quartz Lake where they continue structure protection efforts to protect the Quartz Lake Patrol Cabin, Quartz Lake Wilderness Campground, and a footbridge at the foot of Quartz Lake. The fire is approximately 2.5 miles from the Quartz Lake structures.
Weather & Fuel Conditions: Today’s weather is predicted to continue to be hot and dry with variable winds of less than 7 mph at lower elevations and east winds 5-10 mph on ridge tops. Hot weather will continue through the weekend with a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms.
Closures: 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. A map of the closure is available on InciWeb.
Fire Restrictions: The fire danger rating in Glacier National Park is currently Very High. All park visitors are reminded that campfires are allowed only in designated fire grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown campfires with water until it is cold to the touch before leaving it.
Air Quality: National air quality and smoke conditions can be monitored at https://fire.airnow.gov/. Visibility in different parts of Glacier National Park can vary from hour to hour, depending on fire and wind conditions both locally and throughout the west. Check the park’s webcams at https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm for current views.
Quartz Fire Statistics: Size: Approximately 800 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 8
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Location: Twenty-five miles north of West Glacier, MT in the Quartz Lake drainage
