Fires in Lakeside, N. Fork keeps neighbors nervous

It was a close call as residents of 160 Lakeside homes were encouraged to prepare for evacuation last weekend as a wildland fire spread on Baldy Mountain, but weather should help ease fears of the fire growing much more.

The Baldy Fire, located roughly three miles west of Lakeside, was discovered Saturday evening. Separately, a fire in the North Fork — the Ninko fire blossomed to 500 acres, though it wasn't expected to threaten homes.

As of presstime, the Baldy Fire covered approximately 246 acres on Baldy Mountain between Stoner and Bierney Creeks.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, said Beth Pargman of Flathead National Forest.

Flathead County gave voluntary evacuation notices Saturday to residents who live in the Blacktail Road and Bierney Creek Road areas. Residents of about 30 homes had elected to leave as of Sunday evening.

The fire was 100 percent contained as of Tuesday afternoon. Anticipated moisture and cooler temperatures were expected to help fire fighting efforts. Because of hot, dry conditions, the county has postponed open burning.

The fire is under the command of Flathead National Forest and Flathead County. Numerous agencies have been involved with fighting the fire including the volunteer fire departments of Bigfork, Somers/Lakeside,Whitefish and Hungry Horse, among others.

Three helicopters and two air tankers bombarded the fire with water and retardant drops throughout Sunday and as needed Monday.

No structures had been lost. Flathead County has been providing structure protection and positioning fire engines and other emergency vehicles or personnel near threatened buildings.

Residents have been encouraged to be "firewise" and prepare properties in case of fire. More information on being "firewise" can be found at www.firewise.org.

Pargman said the fire was unusual for this time of the year. The area is considerably drier than normal. August started out wet, with a solid week of rain, but since then it has been dry at hot. But by week's end, temperatures should be in the 40s and 50s, with snow in the mountains and a chance of rain in the valley, which should stem any fire growth.

In the North Fork the Ninko Fire is burning in the Whale Creek drainage, but it's also moving north into the Wedge Canyon Fire burn of 2003 and isn't expected to threaten homes.

High winds on Saturday pushed the fire's growth substantially. Forest Roads No. 318, No. 9805 and No. 907, Whale Creek, Ninko Creek and Wedge Canyon Roads, were closed as of presstime.