IRVINE, Ky. (WKYT) - It has been a long couple of days for fighters in Estill County. Crews from several agencies have been working to contain a fire and keep homes that are surrounded by the forest safe

The plumes of smoke coming from the hills near Irvine tell you all you need to know about how this fight has gone.

"It was bad, you could smell it, you could see it, it was plain," said Shonna Stone who lives near the fire.

Forest rangers have been fighting the fire for three days but they haven't been fighting alone. Crews from Irvine and Estill County have helped them keep the fire from destroying any homes or businesses.

"We have to re-shift our focus every time a structure has been involved," said Beth Williams, a ranger with the Kentucky Forestry Service.

The fire spread overnight to cover more than 55 acres, but rangers believe they have it contained. People living near the treeline hope that's the case.

"It's kinda scary with all the kids up here and as close as the homes are next to the woods," said Stone.

When the fire began there was no lightning or other fires in the area. That's led forestry officials to believe this fire was most likely started by someone.

Forestry officials hope to have the fire out by Friday night.