Single Publication

Quartz Fire Update 
Wednesday, August 31, 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) 

Quartz Fire activity remains light; new fire detected near Flattop Mountain 

Current Situation: The Quartz Fire remained quiet yesterday. Structure protection crews remain at Quartz Lake, and the fire is being monitored from both the air and the ground. Despite the warmer, drier weather very little activity was observed and smoke production was minimal. Warmer and drier weather is expected over the fire area today. As fuels dry from last week’s rains, a slight increase in fire activity may lead to visible smoke during the warmest part of the afternoon. 

A new fire, the Flat Mineral Fire, has been identified in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park. Swiftcurrent Lookout first reported a lightning strike and smoke at the location during heavy rain on Saturday, August 27th. No additional activity was observed until light smoke was once again seen yesterday. The fire is in a remote area with brush and fuels last burned during the Trapper Fire in 2003. Glacier National Park fire managers are assessing changes in fire behavior, potential fire spread, and values at risk.
 Weather: The warming and drying trend that began on Monday will continue Wednesday with temperatures 75° to 85° on ridges and humidity 16-26%. Winds are forecasted to be 5-10 mph from the south becoming west in the afternoon. Clouds will increase across the region overnight with a slight chance of rain showers. 

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