Hikers hoping to enjoy the newly minted warm temperatures should avoid the northeast portion of the Pinhoti Trail in the Talladega National Forest, at least until a 176-acre wildfire in the area is contained.

Kim Bittle, district ranger for the Shoal Creek District of the forest, said hikers should avoid the trail beginning at the Pinky Burns trailhead in the Dugger Mountain Wilderness Area. The Forest Service is also asking motorists to avoid Forest Service Road 500 and 500K off Cleburne County Road 55.

"We understand that spring is a very popular time of year for outdoor enthusiasts, and we encourage the public to visit other recreation trails located throughout the Talladega National Forest during this time," Bittle said in a news release Monday.

The Forest Service was investigating the cause of the fire, according to Bittle. She said a fire report was called in by members of the public.

The U.S. Forest Service Coordination Center in Montgomery has ordered resources to support the fire suppression efforts, including the Alabama Forestry Commission, Pelham Fire Department and crews from Tennessee and North Carolina.

Bittle said Monday afternoon she did not know how long it would take for the fire to be contained.