SAN ANTONIO -- State environmental officials ordered a contractor on Thursday to supress its effort to extinguish a mulch fire in Helotes after nearby residents reported smoky-smelling water coming from the taps of private water wells, officials said.

Workers had resumed efforts Thursday to put out the stubborn fire after they were delayed by an ice storm.

The original deadline set for Jan. 24 will likely be pushed back, officials said.

San Antonio Metro Health Officials said runoff water used to put out the mulch fire may have contaminated water in the Helotes area.

Metro Health, San Antonio Water Systems and other local agencies are testing wells for possible contamination after residents gave officials water samples.

It is not known how many wells are being tested or where they're located.

Officials said they expect to have test results on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, the heavy smoke was causing other problems.

Helotes Hills United Methodist Church canceled preschool services Thursday morning when smoke entered the school.

Helotes resident Tommy Braendle said he could see the smoke that was being spread by northern and western winds.

"I noticed when I was coming into town a couple of hours ago, there was a noticeable cloud in the air," Braendle said. "It was very noticeable today."