Montana Wildfire Shuts Down Entrance to Glacier National Park
HELENA, Mont., July 22 (UPI) — Glacier National Park’s most popular roadway was shut down and homes and lodging areas were evacuated as firefighters continue their efforts to contain fast-moving wildfires that are inching closer to populated areas.A section of Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park remained closed Wednesday between the park’s St. Mary entrance on the east side and Avalanche area on the west side in response to a 1,000-acre fire. The park-operated 72-unit Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins and the nearby Rising Sun campground were evacuated.
“It’s smoky up here and nobody really knows how big the fire is,” said Chris Rossmiller, who was at the motel as firefighters were spraying down buildings.
Incredible to watch the #glacierfire earlier this evening from a boat on #stmary lake. Many more pictures to come… pic.twitter.com/6ay3ohsknm
— Erin Conwell (@ErinConwell) July 22, 2015
The fire was first reported about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday and quickly spread. Park rangers continued their search for backcountry hikers in the area. A temporary flight restriction was also put into place over the area. Other wildfires as well spread quickly, some ignited by lightning strikes and others by people.
Smoke plume from Reynolds Creek fire in Glacier National Park as seen on visible satellite imagery this eve. #mtwx pic.twitter.com/12GkoZoUG6
— NWS Great Falls (@NWSGreatFalls) July 22, 2015
