A wildfire in the Ocala National Forest continues to grow over one week after it was first reported, with the United States Forest Service estimating its size at over 520 acres.

On Saturday, officials reported that the Fernadez Fire continues to grow in the Alexander Springs Wilderness area north of County Road 42 in Lake County.

As of 9 a.m. on Saturday, the wildfire stood at approximately 521 acres in size and was reported as being 50% contained.

When it was first reported on March 21, the fire was estimated to be around 210 acres in size.

On March 27, the U.S. Forest Service reported that the fire had reached approximately 419 acres in size.

On Saturday, crews conducted a mapping flight and continued the process of mopping up hot spots and adding depth.

For days, over 55 firefighters and emergency personnel have been patrolling aggressively by ground and air as winds come from the East, according to U.S. Forest Service. The wildfire has drawn the response of multiple fire engines, bulldozers, a helicopter, a drone, and multiple UTVs.

“This process will take some days until all heat sources have smoldered down and gone cold, at which point the fire will be declared ‘Confined,'” according to a statement from the organization.

Local motorists are advised to refrain from entering areas where crews are working, including Forest Road 42.28. Currently, there is a temporary flight restriction in place over the fire, and the St. Francis trail remains temporarily closed as well.

According to authorities, the fire was likely sparked by dry lightning.

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

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

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:

According to the United States Drought Monitor, the area within the Ocala National Forest where the fire is raging is classified as moderate to severe drought.

There are currently dozens of wildfires that have been reported around the state in recent days as a result of the dry conditions. At least 13 of those wildfires are still active.

Wildfires reported across the state of Florida
There are dozens of wildfires that have been reported across the state recently, with at least 13 still listed as “active.” Credit: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The incident within the Ocala National Forest 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.

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

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