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Firefighters Securing Final Section of Reynolds Creek Fire

Firefighters are conducting hazard removal along Going-to-the-Sun Road

By Beacon Staff

Fire crews are containing the final section of the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park.

The blaze, listed at 3,170 acres, is 63 percent contained, according to officials.

Crews were expecting warmer, dryer temperatures on Thursday, but managers are optimistic that firefighters will be able to secure line along the fire’s north east corner. Mop-up operations on the west side of the fire will also continue Thursday. Firefighters are also conducting hazard removal along the eastern section of Going-to-the-Sun Road and structural protection at Rising Sun.

There are 670 personnel assigned to the incident, including eight hot shot crews, eight 20-person crews and seven helicopters.

The incident has cost $5.8 million. The cause remains under investigation and officials say the initial evidence suggests that the fire was human caused. Park officials are asking for information from hikers who were in the Reynolds Creek area and campers in the nearby backcountry campground between July 14 and July 21.

Two old historic structures and a vehicle have been lost to the fire. The Baring Creek Cabin, also known as the Sun Camp Fireguard Cabin, was built in 1935 and was the sole remaining structure from the Sun Camp Ranger Station complex. It was burned over. Crews discovered a second historic structure that was lost along St. Mary Lake. It appeared to be an old homestead structure, according to fire information officers.

The Sun Road was reopened on the west side to Logan Pass Wednesday. The Red Eagle drainage is open to hiking access to Red Eagle Lake, Triple Divide and the beaver ponds. The Sperry Trail is open from Lake McDonald Lodge to Gunsight Pass. Any travel beyond Gunsight Pass is closed due to fire activity. The Lake Ellen Wilson backcountry site is open.