Yesterday’s stiff winds blew up the Ninko Creek Fire to 500 acres from the previous 35. Here’s the latest information, as reported by the Flathead Beacon . . .

The Ninko Creek Fire located approximately 40 miles north of Columbia Falls in the Whale Creek Drainage on the Flathead National Forest had increased fire activity on Saturday, September 26. The fire increased to approximately 500 acres and is burning towards the 2003 Wedge Fire. The fire remains to the north of Forest Road #10355. Resources assigned to the incident include the Flathead Hot Shot Crew, several fire engines including two contract engines, and aerial resources. Forest Roads #318, #9805 and #907, Whale Creek, Ninko Creek and Wedge Canyon Roads, are closed at this time. Trail closures in the area are anticipated as well.

This one’s becoming a nuisance, folks.

If you want to keep an eye on things, see the InciWeb listing for the Ninko Fire.