A fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Bills Branch fire, has forced the emergency closure of a major highway in the Ocala National Forest as firefighting crews battle the blaze through the night.
The fire, which was reported by the United States Forest Service on Saturday at approximately 3:35 p.m., is currently burning an estimated 75 acres east of State Road 19 along Lake George. Authorities have determined the cause of the ignition was an accidental, human-caused incident.
The Florida Highway Patrol issued a motorist advisory at 6:58 p.m. confirming that State Road 19 is now closed from the intersection of County Road 314 to State Road 40. The core of the active wildfire is situated roughly five miles south of the State Road 19 and County Road 314 intersection.
Heavy smoke is significantly impacting visibility on State Road 19 south of Salt Springs. The highway patrol warned that conditions may deteriorate rapidly, particularly during the nighttime hours, and urged all drivers in the vicinity to utilize low-beam headlights and reduce speeds.
Multiple agencies are currently engaging the fire with both ground and air resources. The U.S. Forest Service has deployed two engines, two bulldozers, an Interagency Hotshot Crew, and a Wildland Fire Module. Aerial support includes two helicopters, a Smokey Helitack ground crew, and an air attack command ship.
Crews have successfully established a dozer line around the perimeter and are utilizing localized firing tactics to maintain the fire’s footprint.
To bypass the closure, officials have established specific detour routes for motorists. Those wishing to head northbound along State Road 19 will be directed to turn left onto State Road 40, turn right onto County Road 314A, and then turn right onto Salt Springs Highway before reaching State Road 19.
Motorists heading southbound will be directed to turn right onto Salt Springs Highway, turn left onto County Road 314A, and then turn left onto State Road 40 before reconnecting with State Road 19.
Boaters on Lake George are being strictly warned to avoid the area, as helicopters are actively conducting water-dip operations to support the containment effort.
Forestry officials confirmed there are no prescribed fire operations scheduled or currently underway in the forest, and firefighting operations are expected to continue throughout Saturday night.