On July 10th, lightning strikes ignited a number of fires in Glacier National Park. Since then, Glacier National Park’s fire management team has been working on active fires in the park, minimizing spread and keeping the fires within both man-made and natural boundaries. There is currently no risk to people or assets in or near the park.
Saturday evening, a small amount of rain fell in the Mountain Creek Valley, helping slow fire activity in that area. The incoming weather system also brought wind and lightning, however, and ignited three new fires in Glacier National Park. Two of the fires were on a high alpine slope on Mount Bonney in an area surrounded by rock and snow. The third was in the Beaver Valley near the eastern park boundary. While not currently at risk, Parks Canada is maintaining close communications with nearby Purcell Mountain Lodge.
Sunday morning, flights were conducted to assess overnight fire behaviour, to look for new starts and to prioritize fire suppression actions.
The safety of the public, our crews, park infrastructure and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Parks Canada works closely with the BC Wildfire Service to monitor and manage wildfire risk in and around Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. Through Parks Canada’s national fire management program, additional personnel and resources are also arriving to support on-going efforts in Glacier National Park.
Smoke from the fires and fire suppression activities may be visible from the TransCanada Highway. Depending on weather conditions, smoke may also affect visibility in the transportation corridor through and adjacent to Glacier National Park. Smoke may also affect air quality in areas east of the park including the Town of Golden. Please take this into consideration, especially if you have any existing respiratory concerns.
We will provide updates as new information is available.
Background
On July 15th, further lightning activity resulted in three new fires in Glacier National Park. Action will be taken to contain and suppress these fires as appropriate.
On July 10th, lightning activity resulted in six small fires in Glacier National Park. Glacier’s fire management team continues to manage the current fire situation. Four of the six fires are still being monitored, but show no signs of smoke or other fire activity. Action is being taken, including heli-bucketing, to suppress and contain the other two fires.
The Mountain Creek fire is in a remote valley at the north-eastern end of Glacier National Park. While remote, the valley and the fire can be seen from the East Gate area of the park.
The Prairie Hill fire is on a high alpine slope on the east end of Glacier National Park. On an eastern ridge, the fire is visible from the highway.
Parks Canada is a world leader in fire management and is committed to reducing the risk of wildfires to Parks personnel, and protecting visitors, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources on the lands it manages and immediately adjacent these areas.
