Smoke From Wildfire Problem for Jessieville, Hot Springs Village

The U.S. Forest Service says smoke from a 200-acre wildfire northwest of Lake Ouachita State Park could affect residents of Jessieville and Hot Springs Village.

Officials said Sunday that residents who are sensitive to smoke should remain indoors and keep their windows closed to minimize exposure. The fire was being allowed to burn to existing barriers such as roads or creeks, resulting in less damage to natural resources. But forecast changes in wind patterns prompted officials to try to contain the wildfire using trails, roads, lake shore and natural barriers.

Smoke from this operation is expected to move to the northeast and affect Jessieville and Hot Springs Village. The fire began on Friday and is in a remote area on the Little Blakely Trail System.

Its cause is under investigation.