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The fast-expanding Thompson fire at Montana's Glacier National Park continues to rage, with fire officials battling challenging terrain, high temperatures and dry conditions in an effort to subdue the flames.
As a result of the danger posed, several popular trails in the park's Nyack area have been closed amid peak tourist season, the Missoulian reported. Trails running between Dawson and Pitamakin passes, Medicine Grizzly Lake, Triple Divide Pass and Upper Two Medicine Lake are among those impacted.
In addition to trail closures, the extreme fire conditions have even led park superintendent Jeff Mow to ban backcountry campfires, the Great Falls Tribune reported.
So far, park officials estimate the Thompson fire has engulfed as much as 14,900 acres.
Here's a look at the expansive fire courtesy of KXLH Helena:
Keep in mind, the fire, which began Sunday, spanned just 1,900 acres Tuesday morning.
"There was some activity today with high temperatures and low humidity," said Glacier National Park spokeswoman Katelyn Liming Wednesday via the Missoulian. "We expect to see some increase in acreage. It's moving east and it's close to the Continental Divide. We're really working to keep it west of the divide."
While the Thompson fire continues to wreak havoc, the 4,300-acre Reynolds Creek fire, which has been burning since last month, continues to burn further north. However approximately two-thirds of that fire has been contained.
Fortunately, night closures of the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road have been lifted. That's worth noting as 95 percent of park visitors travel some length of the road.
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