The U.S. Forest Service continues to respond to the Backbone Fire, which has burned roughly 235 acres in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area as of 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 7.

The fire was first detected on August 3, about 15 miles south of Natchitoches in the Kisatchie National Forest. A second fire was reported approximately one mile away on August 4. The cause of the fire has been attributed to a lightning strike.

The impacted area sits within the approximately 8,700-acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness, located in Natchitoches Parish. Firefighters are working diligently to contain the blaze, using heavy equipment to clear trails outside of the Wilderness and hand tools within. These cleared trails are being used as containment lines.

A burn out operation may take place in the coming days. This strategy removes vegetation between the wildfire and control lines to help prevent further spread.

Current closures include:

The entire Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area, including Backbone, High Ridge, and Turpentine Trails
Longleaf Vista and the Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail
Caroline Dormon trailhead parking lot
At this time, no road closures have been reported.

Weather conditions remain hot and dry, with similar conditions expected to continue into the weekend. There is a slight chance of rain on Sunday and Monday, which could aid firefighting efforts.

Public and firefighter safety remains the top priority for officials. For more information, contact Fire and Media Information Officer Stacy Blomquist at (318) 446-5054 or via email at stacy.blomquist@usda.gov.