GNP: Poor visibility again today on the Sprague Fire

Firefighters working the night shift reported smoke and a calmer fire. Fire Managers, residents, and Park visitors are experiencing the pros and cons of smoke. Air quality is very poor and is limiting the ability to use aircraft again today. Pilots and crews are getting some much needed rest and will be ready to resume flights when the air clears. The advantage of smoke is the “dampening” effect it has on fire behavior. Last night the Sprague Fire did not grow in size again. The night shift monitored fire activity on Snyder Ridge and patrolled the Lake McDonald Lodge complex, which includes 144 structures.

“Rain for Rent” is being installed. Over 1000 feet of mainline and 8000 feet of lateral hand line will be installed today in the Lake McDonald Lodge complex area. This is a system of high capacity sprinklers designed to wet large areas to create a fire break. Yesterday firefighters installed hose lays and sprinklers in the Avalanche Creek Campground and Trail of the Cedars area. Today they will be continuing work to install a similar system in the North McDonald Lake area.

Firefighters are gridding and mopping up around the Sperry Chalet complex which is still experiencing small spot fires.

Area residents and Park visitors were evacuated last Sunday. The evacuation order remains in effect from the south end of Lake McDonald north to Logan Pass. This includes the North McDonald Road. This does not include the Apgar area at this time. Logan Pass is still accessible from the east side of the Park. The duration of the evacuation is unknown at this time.

Smoke. Because of the high pressure system, dense smoke is blanketing Lake McDonald. You can monitor current conditions on the Park’s webcams at http://go.nps.gov/glacwebcams.

Adair Peak Fire Information. The Adair Peak fire was started by lightning on August 12, 2017. Fire managers have been monitoring the fire which showed no growth yesterday. The south east side of the fire is experiencing the most heat. The fire is burning in a remote area of the park on the south side of Logging Lake. Fire managers expect the fire behavior to moderate as this fire enters old fire scars. Yesterday, the Glacier National Park pack string supplied firefighters with materials and supplies necessary to implement structure protection around the historic cabins located at either end of Logging Lake.

Most areas of the Park remain OPEN. The Going-to-the-Sun Road between St. Mary and Logan Pass, Granite Park Chalet, Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Many Glacier are currently open. Please check the Park website for closure information and current conditions at https://nps.gov/glac.