Fire crews continued to battle a blaze in the Ocala National Forest on Thursday that had burned more than 500 acres.
The blaze, named the Powerline Fire, was first reported around 2 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters from Marion County Fire Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service and the Florida Forest Service were called to battle the fast-moving flames, which required 91 bucket drops of water from five helicopters and three air drops of fire retardant from three air tankers.
Fifty homes originally had been evacuated but as of Thursday afternoon no structures were being threatened, a report says.
Residents have been encouraged to use caution while driving in the area. Marion County fire officials also are encouraging residents to sign up for emergency alerts at www.alertmarion.com. And no outdoor burning authorizations were being issued in Marion County because of the dry conditions.