US Forest Service releases resources from Ocala National Forest wildfire
Agency urges caution with any potential ignition source and to report any smoke sightings by calling 911.
Fire crews with Marion County Fire Rescue and the U.S. Forestry Service were battling a forest fire in the area of County Road 314 at the crossroads of State Road 40 on May 2, 2025. [Photo courtesy Marion County Fire Rescue]
The US Forest Service reported on a social media page earlier today that its resources have been released from the Southeast 1st Street fire in the Ocala National Forest.
“Rain impacted the area yesterday which helped greatly. US Forest Service resources were released from the incident yesterday evening and final efforts will be managed by the Florida Forest Service. The fire was mapped at 256 acres,” the post noted.
A May 4 USFS post indicated that for the Lynne fire, at Northeast 10th Street Road, north of SR 40 and Waldena Lake, also in the ONF, “Good progress was made the last few days despite the depth and amount of accumulated swamp duff. Crews will continue to monitor it daily until a soaking rain event arrives and there are no further signs of heat along the perimeter edge.”
On Friday, May 2, the “Gazette” reported that an evacuation order had been put in place for a wildfire in an area along County Road 314 and State Road 40. The order was lifted around 9:28 p.m. Marion County Fire Rescue and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were aiding the USFS and FSS in that effort.
In the May 5 USFS update, it was noted that, “Despite yesterday’s rainfall, expect fuels to dry out again quickly. The forest received less than ¼ inch, which is insufficient to thoroughly soak understory fuels. The trend going into the week will see temps in the high 80s to 90s with lower relative humidities in the 30s (near to critical). There were numerous lightning strikes across the forest which may smolder and spring to life as things dry out. Scattered thunderstorms are possible mid-week and expected Friday. There is a good chance of a wetting rain event over the weekend. Thunderstorms, of course, bring lightning, which starts fires. Continue to report any smoke sightings to 911.”
The notice also stated that, “There is a burn ban in place for Lake County and Marion County is under a voluntary do not burn request. Please be extremely careful with any potential ignition source.”
To learn more, go to FB.com/nationalforestsinflorida
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