Personnel at Harlem High School and residents within a three-block area were evacuated after a gas leak was discovered outside the school's little gym Thursday morning.

The evacuees were inconvenienced for about an hour and a half while NorthWestern Energy fixed the highpressure relief valve that burst and caused the leak.

"It's my understanding that the leak had actually been going for about a half hour prior to that before 911 was called," said Vic Miller, public information officer for Blaine County commissioners.

Roughly one-third of the town was alerted to the leak, Miller said.

Evacuees were allowed to return to structures by noon, he said.

Based on other all-class reunions held already this summer along the Hi-Line, Harlem's population could more than double in size this weekend d u r i n g t h e Ha r l em Al umn i Association's reunion, Miller said.  But few if any attendees were in town Thursday.  Events will take place as scheduled at the high school.

"Everything is fixed," Miller said.

Little concern about inhalation issues exists, but if residents are experiencing problems, they can contact the public health nurse's office at 357-

2345.