The estimated acreage for a wildfire reported Monday afternoon near Lincoln has been downgraded.
The Horsefly Fire is now an estimated 500 acres in size. The fire was first reported around 1:30 p.m. on August 5.
The Almas Northern Rockies Incident Managment Team announced Tuesday morning that U.S. Highway 279 is closed to bicylists between Highway 200 and Stemple Pass.
Evacuation orders for all residences in the areas of Flesher Acres Rd., Flesher Pass Rd., Ponderosa Dr., Lincoln Rd. W., Paintbrush Ln., Paintbrush Dr., and Alpine Ln were issued Monday evening.
A shelter for evacuees is on standby at the First Assembly of God Church at 2210 Dodge Ave. in Helena. If someone needs to stay at the facility, please call the Red Cross at 1-800-272-6668.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A public meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Canyon Creek Rural Fire District Station located at 7560 Duffy Lane.
