Reynolds Creek fire continues to burn in Glacier National Park
Evacuation levels lowered as firelines are built, reinforced
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GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – The Reynolds Creek Fire is burning along the north shore of Saint Mary Lake, in rocky, rugged terrain and burning in timber, brush, and grass. Recent rains have subdued the fire, but it still possesses potential for activity when drier weather conditions return.
Yesterday crews took advantage of cooler temperatures to build new line and reinforce line along the St. Mary River, and extinguished spot fires near the southwest edge of the fire. From Rising Sun to the northeast end, firefighters began laying hose along firelines to assist with mop-up.
Today firefighters will build line next to the fire’s edge and will be supported by water drops from helicopters. Above the Going-to-the-Sun Road (east side of the Divide), fireline explosives will be used to build fireline in an avalanche chute with heavy brush and downed logs. The sound of the blast will be audible in the town of St. Mary, and is expected in the early afternoon. Firefighters continue dropping snags and clearing debris near the Going-to-the-Sun Road in areas affected by the fire.
Closures: The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed from just beyond the St. Mary Visitor Center to the Big Bend on the west side of the Divide, a distance of 18 miles. The St. Mary Visitor Center, St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, the Rising Sun Campground and Logan Pass remain closed.
The Sperry Trail is open from Lake McDonald Lodge to Gunsight Pass. Travel beyond the pass is closed due to the fire. Lake Ellen Wilson Backcountry site is now reopened.
Beginning today at 8 a.m. the Level 1 (mandatory evacuation) along the west shore of Lower St. Mary Lake will be downgraded to Level 2 (warning). The Level 2 status of the east side of lower St. Mary Lake will be downgraded to Level 3 (advisory). The town site of St. Mary will continue to remain at a Level 3.
Evacuation orders have been lifted for National Park Service employee housing and administrative areas.
Glacier National Park remains open, and excellent recreation opportunities abound. For information on current park activities, visit www.nps.gov/glac, Facebook.com/GlacierNPS, twitter.com/glaciernps, or flickr.com/photos/glaciernps. Additionally, current conditions can be viewed on park webcams at: http://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
