The image on the right was taken by the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard NASA's Aqua satellite on July 30, 2003 and shows wildfires burning in Glacier Nat'l Park in Montana.

The map on the left shows the location of the three fires in and around Glacier Nat'l Park.

Environmental Impacts

• There are three wildfires burning in and around Glacier Nat'l Park: the Wedge Canon fire, Robert fire, and the Trapper Creek Complex fires.  The combined area burned by these fires is nearing 50,000 acres.
   
• Approximately 2,100 firefighters have been dispatched to the three fires in the Glacier Nat'l Park area.

• The Wedge Canon fire is burning 20 miles east of Eureka, MT. The fire had burned 20,500 acres and was about 20% contained as of July 30. Evacuations remain in effect from Moose Creek to the Canadian border.  Extreme fire behavior, which will make the fire difficult to predict and control, may occur due to very dry fuels, and hot, dry weather.  Officials expect to have this fire contained by August 18.
   
• The Robert fire is 8 miles north of Columbia Falls, MT. The fire had burned 12,500 acres and was 0% contained as of July 30. The fire remains a major threat to communities within Glacier National Park.
   
• The Trapper Creek Complex fires is 45 miles northeast of Kalispell, MT.  These fires had burned 16,700 acres and were 35% contained as of July 30. Smoke from the fire continues to impact Glacier National Park in the U.S. and Waterton Lakes National Park and the city of Lethbridge, both in British Columbia, Canada.  Officials expect to have this fire contained by    September 5.