Officials in Yell County are now saying that the wildfire near Ola has jumped the highway.
The fire is off Highway 7 just south of Ola and has now jumped Highway 10, heading north near Tucker Road.
The evacuations have now become mandatory, with estimates at the Yell County sheriff's office being about 2,000 to 2,500 people that are being asked to leave the area.
The Associated Press reports that about 50 people are being temporarily housed at the Two Rivers High School gym in Plainview.
While there are no reports of injuries or deaths, the sheriff's office is beginning to get reports of structural damage in the area.
Jeff Gilkey, area director with the Office of Emergency Management, earlier said that forestry officials released mounted patrol to alert local residents.
The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has also shut down part of Highway 7 south of Ola to Fourche, as well as part of Highway 10 East.
Officials with the sheriff's office, Office of Emergency Management and all available fire companies in Yell County are fighting the fire.
Ola is 11 miles east of Danville.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
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Some information contributed by the Associated Press.