Single Publication

Quartz Fire Update 
 Sunday, September 4, 9:00 am 
 
National Park Service  
Glacier National Park 
Incident Commander: G. Bartin, Type 3 Incident Commander
 
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) 
 
Limited activity on the Quartz Fire as Red Flag conditions subside
 
Current Situation: The Quartz Fire again showed limited activity on Saturday despite the Red Flag Warning that was issued for the area. The fire produced little smoke ahead of the dry cold front that moved across the region early evening. High winds associated with the cold front’s passing resulted in isolated tree torching on the fire’s southern perimeter, but activity subsided after the winds calmed. One crew remains staged at the Quartz Cabin and will continue patrolling and monitoring the Quartz Fire. Additional crews are available in both East and West Glacier to respond to any emerging fires in the park or neighboring jurisdictions. 
 
The Flat Mineral Fire, located in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park, had no activity on Saturday. The Swiftcurrent Lookout will continue monitoring the fire.
 
On Saturday evening, Type 3 Incident Commander Greg Bartin assumed command of the Quartz Fire from outgoing Incident Commander Mike Lewelling, who rotated off the incident after a 14-day assignment. Today’s update will be the last daily update published for the incident; future updates will be published weekly on Fridays or as significant events occur with the fire. 
 
Weather: A high pressure system will settle in over northwest Montana through Wednesday. During that time, high temperatures will be 65 to 78 degrees on ridges with Wednesday being the warmest day of the week.  Winds will be predominately out of the southwest for the week and are expected to be 10-20 mph each day. Friday will bring a chance of rain to the area. 
 
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 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