Single Publication

Quartz Fire Update 
 Saturday, September 3, 9:30 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) 
 
Critical fire weather conditions expected over Glacier on Saturday
 
Current Situation: The Quartz Fire again showed some isolated activity on Friday, with three locations producing light smoke. Fire activity was focused on the southern tip of the fire’s perimeter. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Glacier National Park on Saturday for high winds, high temperatures, and low relative humidity. One crew remains staged at the Quartz Cabin patrolling and monitoring the Quartz Fire. Additional crews are available in both East and West Glacier to respond to any fires that may emerge with the anticipated weather. 
 
The Flat Mineral Fire, located in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park, had no activity on Friday. The Swiftcurrent Lookout will continue monitoring the fire.
 
The Quartz Fire will transfer command to another Type 3 Incident Commander Saturday evening. Since activity has been light on the Quartz Fire, Sunday’s update will be the last daily update published on the Quartz Fire. Going forward, updates will be published weekly on Fridays or as significant events occur with the fire. 
 
Weather: A fast-moving dry cold front will pass over western Montana today, bringing critical fire weather conditions to the area. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Montana, including Glacier National Park, on Saturday. Temperatures will be 80° to 90° on ridges and minimum relative humidity is expected to dip to 10-20%. South winds are forecasted to be 5-15 mph shifting to southwest and increasing to 15-25 mph in the afternoon with gusts up to 35 mph. A 15% chance of lightning and a 10% chance of rain is predicted for this evening. 
 
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: Winds are transporting smoke into the Glacier area from fires in western Montana as well as Idaho and Washington. 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