Single Publication

Quartz Fire Update 
Sunday, August 28, 10:00 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 remains quiet ahead of warmer and drier weather

Current Situation: The Quartz Fire remained quiet yesterday as the area experienced cooler temperatures and intermittent heavy rain. Multiple thunderstorms occurred again over the Glacier National Park area. No fire growth was observed.

Glacier National Park fire personnel continue planning contingencies for possible future growth in the Quartz fire or any new fires as weather gets warmer and drier over the coming week. Firefighters patrol for new starts, aware that lightning-caused fires can remain small and undetected for multiple weeks after starting. 

Weather: Light winds are forecasted from the west today with maximum temperatures of 55°-65° over the fire area and relative humidity will remain moderately high at 34-44%. Upslope winds 4-8 mph will develop in the afternoon. These conditions are expected to contribute to minimal fire activity again today. Temperatures will trend upward Monday through Thursday accompanied by lower relative humidity, which may lead to a slight increase in fire activity. 

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