NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (WNTZ) - A wildfire in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area has grown to about 1,200 acres, prompting trail closures and ongoing firefighting efforts, the U.S. Forest Service said Sunday.

The Backbone Fire, located in Natchitoches Parish, continues to burn as wildland firefighters work to establish containment lines and conduct burnout operations. The technique involves removing vegetation between the wildfire and a control line to prevent further spread, officials said.

The Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area - which includes the Backbone, High Ridge and Turpentine trails - is closed to the public. Longleaf Vista and the Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail are also closed.

Motorists traveling the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway are urged to use caution because of smoke an

See Full Page