Crews hold Montana fire line ahead of red-flag warning

HELENA – Fire crews are holding the line near Seeley Lake, but potential problems are in the forecast with wind gusts expected to kick up the flames that are threatening the town.

Evacuation orders are still in place Wednesday for much of the town, which is about 1 1/2 miles away from the fire’s edge. Officials have issued a red-flag fire warning for Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities say the evacuation zone includes more than 1,000 addresses east of U.S. Highway 83. There are more than 1,200 homes in the Seeley Lake area, and about 500 of those are vacation homes, rentals or properties for sale.

The lightning-caused fire has burned 50 square miles and is 18 percent contained, with most of the fire line dug between the burning ridge and the town.