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Glacier Park

Leaking Battery Forces Glacier Park Headquarters Evacuation

Park staff was allowed back into office spaces after hazmat team cleared out lead-acid battery array

By Micah Drew
West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park on Aug. 8, 2023. Hunter D’Antuono | Flathead Beacon

Glacier National Park (GNP) staff was told to evacuate the West Glacier headquarters on Thursday morning due to a leaking battery array.

The evacuation notice went out at 7:30 a.m. due to a problem with the backup lead-acid battery array in the park’s communications center, according to GNP spokesperson Gina Icenoggle. The Hungry Horse volunteer fire department responded with a fire engine and hazmat truck. Crews removed the batteries and undertook measures to clear the air from the building.

Air sampling indicated it as safe for staff to return by 8:41 a.m. and the dispatch center was back in service before 9 a.m.

The cause of the leak is currently unknown.