More seasonal weather this week has aided efforts to wrangle the Banana Lake Fire in Sanders County.

The blaze was 25% contained with a footprint of 883 acres Thursday morning, marking a slight reduction in size from previous estimates due to more accurate mapping from crews on the ground. The fire started May 31 in timber about 4 miles north of Plains. The cause remains under investigation.

No evacuation orders had been issued, but a few homes were in the vicinity of the fire's south edge.

"It's in good shape around those homes, but we're taking extra precautions to get good separation," said Nick Holloway, the public information officer for the incident.

Earlier in the week, the fire approach high-tension power lines that run through the area. 

"It burned pretty close and that was a big concern," Holloway said. "That's a big value at risk."

The thick smoke from wildfires can conduct electricity if it gets into the lines, Holloway explained, making firefighting efforts more hazardous.

More than 235 firefighters were on the scene Thursday patrolling containment lines and working to secure the perimeter. According to Holloway, the fire experienced a "dirty burn" meaning there are areas of unburned vegetation on the edge. This makes mop-up challenging, as crews must carefully work through thick, uneven debris to find hot spots.

Drones were also being used to detect hot spots to ensure areas don't reignite.

Other apparatus on the incident included two helicopters, three dozers, 14 engines and 10 tenders.

Commuters on Montana 28 were warned to expect reduced speeds due to firefighter traffic.

"It's a big hazard when people are whizzing past on a winding road," Holloway said.

He also cautioned that fire activity could pick up over the weekend as hot weather and winds return. Gusts up to 20 mph are possible Friday. High temperatures will hit the upper 90s by Sunday and Monday.

"We're heading into a hot and dry weekend when it's already hot and dry," he warned.