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HELENA - A large wildfire is burning near tonight near the Canyon Ferry Reservoir east of Helena, and several homes in the area have been evacuated.

The York Fire, which was reported at about 6 p.m. Friday, started on the Ward Ranch below the dam on the north side of the reservoir.

Helena National Forest spokeswoman Kathy Bushnell says about 360 acres had burned, and residents were evacuated from homes along Jimtown, Ward and Horse Gulch roads. Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton says about 25 people have been evacuated from the Riverside Campground.

The sheriff says about 170 firefighters will work through the night to contain the fire, which did not grow during the evening and is burning in steep terrain. Four helicopters, as well as engines from the Forest Service, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and from several volunteer fire departments, also are being used.

Dutton says the blaze is not threatening the Canyon Ferry Dam. The 7th Day Adventist church in Helena is being used as a temporary shelter for people displaced by the fire.