Single Publication

May 23, 2023 

Release Time:  1000am 

Acres:  4188 acres (as of 5/22/2023) Percent Containment:  44%  

Start Date:  April 27, 2023 Cause:  Lightning  

Jurisdiction:  Ocala National Forest & Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area 

Resources:  260 personnel including 1 handcrew, 11 engines, 1 dozer, and 4 helicopters 

Highlights:  The fire received substantial rainfall yesterday. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid 80s with winds from the northeast, and afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Fire behavior is primarily expected to be smoldering due to the moist conditions. Fire crews will be patrolling and monitoring, and some equipment is being back-hauled for demobilization. Fire suppression resources on the fire will begin to decrease as attention shifts to repair and rehabilitation of forest roadways and fire lines as needed. Containment estimate remains at 44%. 

Current Status:  Fire crews will be patrolling and monitoring for hot spots and some equipment will be prepared for demobilization. Air resources remain available to support ground crews as weather and safety permits. The Southern Area Blue Team is beginning preparation for turning over management of the fire to a smaller team Saturday morning. Protection for historical and cultural resources, recreational areas, and residential properties in the Juniper Springs, Pat’s Island, Sweetwater Cabin, Juniper Wayside, and Silver Glen areas remains a priority. 

Minimal fire behavior is expected due to moist conditions and forecast rainfall. Smoldering of larger fuels with a few hot spots east of SR-19. The potential for new fire starts is minimal today as a result of yesterday’s rainfall. 

Weather:  The fire area received 2 to 4 inches of rain yesterday and similar amounts are possible again today. High temperatures are forecast in the mid 80s with lows around 70. Winds will be from the northeast at 8 to 12 mph in the afternoon. Minimum relative humidity is forecast to be around 70% today. The chance of rain today is 90% and thunderstorms are likely later in the day. Thunderstorms can produce locally heavy rain and gusty and erratic winds. 

Ocala National Forest & Juniper Prairie Wilderness Temporary Area Closures:  Closures are in effect for the Juniper Prairie Wilderness including the Florida National Scenic Trail between SR40 and National Forest System Road (NFS) 50. National Forest System Roads (NFS) 33 between State Road 40 and NFS 50; NFS 46 from NFS 33 to State Road 19; and NFS 50 from NFS 33 to State Road 19 are closed. Closure Information available here. Travel by residents, landowners , concessionaires, first responders, and permit holders (case-by-case) is permitted on NFS 50 east of Hopkins Campground. 

Juniper Recreation and Hopkins Campground areas are open. The Ocala Gun Range will open at 11am today. Slver Glen is scheduled to reopen on Friday. Sweetwater Cabin will reopen Saturday to guests with reservations. 

The Florida Department of Transportation will be reopening SR 19 beginning at 11am with full access by noon today. Motorists are requested to report any limitations in visibility to the Florida Highway Patrol. 

Air Quality Outlook:  Air quality in the vicinity of the fire is expected to be Good for the next 48 hours. Smoke Outlook available here. 

Fire Information Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EDT Phone: 352-448-0665 Email: 2023.major@firenet.gov 

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/flfnf-major 

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/NationalForestsinFlorida 

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