A wildfire that has been been raging for a week at the Ocala National Forest has grown from 210 acres to 500 acres in that time, with emergency crews saying it is about 50% contained.

According to the United States National Forest Service, the Fernadez Fire in the forest measures approximately 500 acres and is approximately 50% contained as of Friday morning.

Originally reported on Friday, March 21, at around 1 p.m. that day, the fire measured around 210 acres. At the time, authorities indicated that the fire was likely sparked by dry lightning.

Wildfire in the Ocala National Forest
The fire has grown to over 500 acres as of Friday morning.

Over the past week, at least five dozen emergency responders have been actively fighting the fire.

On Thursday, the organization reported that the fire had spread to 419 acres. On Friday, that number increased again to over 500 acres.

Currently, a burn ban is in effect for Lake County. A temporary flight restriction has been placed in the airspace over the fire and currently, the St. Francis Trail is closed until further notice due to its proximity to the fire.

Last week, the fire was reported as being located within the Alexander Springs Wilderness area.

The “Fernadez Fire” is named after a Spanish land grant settlement and port on the St. Johns River.

Although the fire was originally estimated at 250 acres, that estimate was adjusted after officials gained more accurate measurements.

In video obtained by Orlando-based WESH 2 News, the fire can be seen destroying a large portion of the forest. Watch WESH 2’s video here:

The incident comes just over a month after a bomb that missed its target during training conducted by the United States Navy sparked a multi-acre fire within the forest as well.

Last week, the U.S. Forest Service reported that there were no residences or structures near the fire at the time. It is unclear if that is still the case given the continued growth of the fire.

The Florida Department of Transportation is advising motorists driving along County Road 42 and in the vicinity of Forest Road 28 of the possibility of heavy smoke on roadways. The public is asked to stay away from the area if possible.

Do you have video or photos of the Fernadez Fire within the Ocala National Forest? Share them with us.

UPDATE: Shortly after this story was published, the United States Forest Service provided updated details about the wildfire.

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