Officials at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge are warning residents to the west of the refuge about increased smoke.

A wind shift has brought smoke and ash to areas to the west of the refuge. Previously, winds have blown the smoke to the north, east and south.

“We’ve been receiving a number of contacts from the public about increased smoke west of the Great Dismal Swamp near Suffolk and other communities,” said a news release from officials at the refuge. “Expect ash to accompany the smoke as the wind lifts it high in the air and transports it.”

The fire currently is about one and a half to two miles from Desert Road and is not moving quickly, the release said. Fire containment lines are in place along West Ditch Road, which is between the fire and Desert Road.

Firefighters plan to begin pumping water from Lake Drummond soon to flood the ditches on the westernmost side of the refuge.

“Please be assured we are doing everything we can to contain this fire as quickly as possible,” the release said.

For more information, citizens can call 986-3705 or visit the online site for the fire here.