MCFR and US Forestry Service fight wildfire
Panoramic photo from the City of Ocala of wildfire smoke billowing in the distance. [Michael Warren]
9:28 update: USF reports a fireline has been completed around the fire’s perimeter in Silver Springs. The county engineer’s office indicates the Hwy 314 has been reopened. MCFR reports the evacuation has been lifted.
8:30 report: The US Forest Service has issued an evacuation for the area of Hwy 314 in East Marion at the crossroads of Hwy 40.
Marion County’s County Engineer, Steven Cohoon, wrote via text, “We’re shutting down SE Highway 314 due to a fire between SE First Road and State Road 40. Our teams are coordinating with the Florida Fire Service.”
Cohoon says Hwy 314 will remain closed until the fire is controlled and the road is deemed safe to reopen.
Florida Highway Patrol has warned to use caution driving in another area of US 301 and 135th Street due to a second 14-acre fire.
During the last update within the hour, USFS resources are responding to a declared wildfire in support of Marion County Fire Engines, bulldozers, and aviation are arriving on the scene.
“The fire is burning near 11005 SE 1st Street and National Forestry Station 60.”
The public is encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel in this area.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, families impacted by the fire can use the Winn-Dixie parking lot at 15912 East Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL. 34488
Marion County issued a burn ban on April 16th that continues due to “lack of rain and high wildfire danger.”
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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