Wildfires put Montana on High Alert

BREAKING NEWS

Essex, MT. Following a season of little snow and and an early melt, Northwest Montana has had an active fire season. Already, several fires have burned in the area surrounding Glacier National Park, including several with smoke columns visible from Essex. In late July, a fire burning in East Glacier Park closed the Eastern half of the fabled Going-To-The-Sun Road. Another more recent one sent a column of smoke towering over Montana, visible from Essex, and making quite a show.
Tonight however, things have taken a turn for the more dramatic, as a wildfire known as the Sheep Fire, burning about two miles from Essex Montana and the Izaak Walton Inn, has prompted the county to announce a possible future evacuation. The fire is part of a larger complex in Flathead National Forest, made up of three fires in the general area. Smoke from this fire has filled the Flathead Valley during the day, reducing visibility and prompting the national Weather Service to issue an air quality report. The call was given to all employees, guests of the Izaak Walton Inn, that an evacuation could come, though likely not overnight.
The Flathead Beacon reports that a red flag warning is issued for Thursday, as the 93 acre fire is expected to benefit from lower humidity and more winds. The Beacon also reported that BNSF Railway has prepared a firefighting train to protect the railroad's wooden structures, if the fire should advance.
This is not the first time that the town has been put on alert this summer. A potential evacuation was also announced when another wildfire across Route 2 formed in July, and put out in a matter of hours. This one, which has been burning for a few days, has a bit more of a head start.
The hotel's night audit was called in for a sixth consecutive night to guard the desk overnight, answer questions and generally hold down the fort overnight.
"Of course I'd rather have the night off," Said night audit Steven Kramer, "But it is overtime. I shouldn't say I want an evacuation, but it would be something to write home about." -KP

Editor's note: We ask that you please pray for the town of Essex and our staff members in town. Updates will be written as details emerge.