htaccess and memory usage

I recently just added a bit into my htaccess to block an IP. The pound signs are actual numbers, I just didn't want to put them on blast:

Code:

---

order allow,deny
deny from ###.###.###.###
allow from all

---

Since then, my server has been eating through memory crazy fast to a point where its uptime is about 7 minutes. Other people work on the server across many other sites, but I'm concerned that my change to an htaccess across 3-4 sites would have this effect. I could swear I've blocked other IP addresses on other sites before and this didn't happen, but I just want to make sure.