Single Publication

Major Fire

Daily Update May 17, 2023       Release Time:  1030am

Acres:  2978 acres (as of 5/16/2023)              

Percent Containment:  57%  

Start Date:  April 27, 2023

Cause:  Lightning       

Resources:  133 personnel including 1 handcrew, 5 engines, 2 dozers, and 4 helicopters

Highlights:  Afternoon high temperatures in the lower 90s with scattered afternoon thunderstorms forecast today. Winds will be west to southwest today, and crews will be monitoring for hot spots or fire spread due to the change in wind direction. Air resources will be used to cool areas of concern and work continues on existing firebreaks. Fire behavior will likely increase today with changing weather. Crews are ready to respond to new fire starts with the potential of lightning in the area. Additional fire suppression resources are ordered and continue to arrive.

Current Status:  Fire activity was minimal Tuesday with mostly smoldering near the fire perimeter. No fire growth occurred and containment increased from 33% to 57%. Crews continue to patrol and monitor for hot spots, bolster existing control lines, and will be looking for fire spread. 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 continue to be a priority.

Fire behavior will likely increase as fine fuels and shrubs continue dry out. The possibility of new fire starts is expected to increase as thunderstorm activity and slightly stronger winds are forecast. Crews are prepared to respond quickly as new fire starts are reported.

Weather:  High temperatures are forecast in the low 90s with lows near 70. Winds will be from the west to southwest at 8 to 12 mph with gusts to22 mph. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast this afternoon with coverage increasing to scattered to numerous for Thursday. Thunderstorms can be accompanied by 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.

Juniper Recreation, Sweetwater Cabin, and Hopkins Campground areas remain open at this time. Travel by residents, landowners , concessionaires, first responders, and permit holders (case-by-case) is permitted on NFS 50 east of Hopkins Prairie Campground.

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

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