GREAT FALLS — Officials in Glacier National Park are investigating several fire starts in the North Fork area. All fires are contained and do not pose a threat, and there have been no injuries reported.
According to a news release on Thursday, park officials received a report of several wildland fires early Thursday morning which led to a multi-agency response from local county, state, and federal agencies consisting of wildland fire crews, hotshot crews, engine crews, and law enforcement.
One of the fires included the historic 1928 Ford Creek patrol cabin used by rangers for winter patrols. The structure is a total loss.
The fires are suspicious and currently being investigated. Several investigators are on the ground, along with the FBI and NPS-Investigative Services Branch assisting remotely.
Portions of the park are closed due to the investigation, including Inside North Fork Road from Polebridge to Logging Creek, and Kintla Road beyond the Bowman Lake turnoff.
Anyone who saw any suspicious activity on the night of July 22 or early morning of July 23 is encouraged to call the Glacier National Park tip-line at 406-888-7077 and leave a message.
Park officials thanked the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, US Forest Service Hungry Horse and Tally Lake Districts, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Evergreen Fire Department, and the North Fork community residents for their assistance.
We will update you if we get more information.
