Glacier National Park Investigating Suspicious North Fork Fires

Glacier National Park officials are investigating several fires that started under suspicious circumstances in the North Fork area, including a blaze that destroyed the historic Ford Creek patrol cabin used by rangers for winter patrols.

All fires are contained and do not pose a threat, officials stated in a July 23 press release, but the cabin built in 1928 is a total loss and the investigation has forced closures in portions of the park, including the Inside North Fork Road from Polebridge to Logging Creek, as well as Kintla Road beyond the Bowman Lake turnoff.

Park officials received a report of multiple wildland fires early on the morning of July 23, leading to a multi-agency response from local county, state, and federal agencies consisting of wildland fire crews, hotshot crews, engine crews, and law enforcement, the press release states.

Due to the suspicious nature of the fires, several investigators are on the ground investigating, along with assistance from the FBI and the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch, which is assisting remotely.

If members of the public witnessed any suspicious activity on the night of July 22 or early morning on July 23, they are encouraged to call the Glacier National Park tip line at (406) 888-7077 and leave a message.

Glacier officials extended their gratitude toward the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service Hungry Horse and Tally Lake Districts, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Evergreen Fire Department, and the North Fork community residents for their assistance.

No further details are available at this time.