Emergency personnel responded to two fires in the Ocala National Forest believed to have been caused by lightning yesterday, while other firefighters continue working to confine a 200+ acre fire at a bombing range within the forest.
On Tuesday morning, the United States Forest Service of Florida reported two fires that are believed to have been caused by lightning strikes on the west side of the forest in the Lake Charles area, along the State Road 40 corridor.
One of the fires was reported east of NE 145th Avenue and another one was reported east of NE 131st Avenue. Both were north of SR 40.
According to the organization, one of the fires was around five acres in size and confinement was achieved on both fires. Firefighters still continue to address hot spots and utilize suppression tactics to ensure the fire remains confined.
The fires in the area have resulted in the Florida Scenic Trail Closure, from the trailhead at NE 145th Avenue to NE 52nd Place Rd. The trail will be temporarily closed until further notice.
Last week, another fire reportedly broke out at a bombing range within the forest. Over the weekend, the U.S. Forest Service reported that the fire had grown to over 200 acres with the range.
On Tuesday, the organization reported that the fire remains “in its footprint” on the grounds of the bombing range and that crews continue to address areas that need touch ups.
“No values are at risk in the immediate fire area at this time,” reads a statement from the U.S. Forest Service.
There is currently a voluntary burn ban in place in Marion County.
The National Integrated Drought Information System shows that most of the county is either under severe or extreme drought warning.