Single Publication

Quartz Fire Update 
Monday, August 29, 9:00 am 

National Park Service  
Glacier National Park 
Incident Commander: M. Lewelling 

Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov 
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099 
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm) 

Warmer, drier weather forecasted for Quartz Fire area this week

Current Situation: The Quartz Fire has not shown any growth or significant activity for several days due to cool and wet weather. Crews at Quartz Lake observed isolated areas of light smoke yesterday. Fire managers will evaluate any fire behavior or progression resulting from the forecasted warming and drying this week.

Firefighters at Quartz Lake hiked out and were replaced by another fresh crew yesterday. The new crew will continue the previous crew’s efforts of patrolling and monitoring fire activity in the Quartz drainage. 

Multiple thunderstorms resulted in many lightning strikes throughout Glacier National Park in the past week. Precipitation received with these storms may keep a strike from developing into a detectable fire. As conditions dry and temperatures rise over the week, some strikes may rekindle into small fires. Initial attack firefighters will be patrolling both sides of the park to detect and respond to new fires that are discovered. 

Weather: High pressure is expected to bring a warming and drying trend this week. Temperatures Monday are forecasted for 65 to 75 degrees over the fire area and relative humidity will decrease slightly to 29-39%. Winds will be 5-10 mph out of the southwest. As temperatures increase and humidity decreases over the coming days, fire activity may increase slightly. Smoke may be visible as the weather becomes warmer and drier. 

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 rings or grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown any campfire with water until 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 1698 acres
Total Personnel: 35
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier