Evacuations lifted near Bell City wildfire

BELL CITY, La. (KPLC) - The voluntary evacuation ordered for residents near a wildfire in Bell City has been lifted, according to Fire Chief David Guidry.

Friday night, about 15 residences on A. DeRouen and surrounding roads were asked to evacuate as crews fought a fire. La. 14 closed for traffic but has since reopened.

Residents are reminded this is a fluid situation and information could change quickly.

As of 8 a.m. Saturday, fire is around 200 acres, according to Chief Guidry.

We’ve received reports of heavy smoke across south Lake Charles and have reached out to several agencies to find the source. The National Weather Service in Lake Charles believes the smoke to be coming from the Bell City fire due to east-northeast winds.

Additionally, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says it has been called about smoke around the parish. So far, they are not aware of any fires other than Bell City.

Emergency preparedness officials also remind people that shifting winds can push smoke in from miles away.

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