The U.S. Forest Service has released a comprehensive update on ongoing wildfire operations within the Ocala National Forest, highlighting progress on the nearly 1,000-acre Shell Fire and a newly discovered blaze, while warning visitors of dangerous heat and persisting drought conditions.
On Thursday evening, forest officials reported that the lightning-caused Shell Fire has remained active in the Alexander Springs Wilderness in eastern Lake County since Friday, May 22.
The fire, which had grown to 953 acres and was 10 percent contained as of Wednesday evening, is located six miles south of Astor and 13 miles west of Deland.
Crews have utilized an indirect confinement strategy, successfully tying the north and west sides of the fire to Forest Roads 18 and 18-1.8 through strategic firing operations spanning from Stagger Mud Lake to near Bluff Landing.
In addition to the Shell Fire, officials announced the discovery of the Lake Dorr 2 Fire, which was sparked by lightning on Tuesday, May 26. Located two and a half miles north of Pittman, the newer fire has burned 27 acres but is already 90 percent contained with assistance from Lake County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service.
To manage the ongoing threats, current forest fire staffing includes eight wildland engines, three fire UTVs, five bulldozers, one light helicopter, and two heavy helicopters.
Despite recent precipitation in the area, the Forest Service cautions that fine and medium fuels will dry out quickly in the direct sun and carry fire.
The agency stated that the extensive drought continues and wildfire potential remains high, noting in their Thursday evening bulletin that they are enforcing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and that a burn ban remains in effect for Marion and Lake counties.
However, Marion County officials officially rescinded their mandatory local burn ban earlier on Thursday, transitioning the area back to its normal outdoor burning regulations, though they continue to urge residents to practice safe burning habits due to the extreme drought conditions still present in the region.
Under the forest’s restrictions, exemptions are made for developed recreational campsites with furnished metal campfire rings, and the use of propane and charcoal for grilling outside of developed sites is authorized.
Weather conditions over the next week will feature temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s, bringing a dangerous heat index as the muggy season arrives. Visitors recreating or working outdoors are urged to exercise caution and stay hydrated.
Officials also warned that smoke from the fires mixed with overnight or morning fog can impact visibility on local roadways, including County Road 445, and motorists should report hazards to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Most active recreation sites in the Ocala National Forest remain open, though seasonal closures are in effect for the Lake Eaton and Big Bass Lake Recreation Areas. Portions of the Centennial OHV Trail System are also subject to daily temporary closures due to activity at the U.S. Navy Pinecastle Bombing Range Complex.
Finally, the forest will undergo a leadership change next week, according to USFS. District Ranger Carrie Sekerak will begin an extended special project assignment for the National Forests in Florida on Monday, June 1, leaving Deputy District Ranger Jonathan Mickett to manage operations in the Ocala National Forest.