(This story and its headline have been updated to reflect the latest information available.)
Crews with the Florida Forest Service and Alachua County Fire Rescue on May 5 continued to battle a wildfire that had grown to more than 200 acres south of Hawthorne.
The fire that broke out May 4 was initially estimated at 2 to 3 acres, but the Forest Service said it was “slowly spreading” and had expanded to about 100 acres by 3:30 p.m.
As of about noon on May 5, the fire was estimated at 228 acres and was 30% contained, according to the Forest Service.
Due to the fire, County Road 325 west of Lochloosa Lake was closed on May 4 between County Road 346 and Southeast 152nd Lane. The road was reopened later that day at about 9 p.m.
Firefighters remained on scene overnight continuing work to strengthen containment lines.
Earlier May 4, crews used forestry resources such as 14 bulldozers and six engines, engine crews from the South Florida Brush Strike Team, and additional support from the St. Johns River Water Management District with two engines and one dozer. Air operations included three helicopters and an air attack aircraft. Crews worked to construct containment lines with heavy equipment, while helicopters are making water drops to slow the fire’s advance.
Residents that live within a three-mile radius of the fire were notified by a reverse 911 call. Evacuations have not been ordered.
The Florida Highway Patrol, working with the Forest Service and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, is monitoring the Interstate 75 and U.S. 441 area near Paynes Prairie for residual smoke.
Motorists traveling through the area may encounter significantly reduced visibility and are urged to use caution by slowing down, increasing following distance and using low‑beam headlights.
Officials warn that visibility can worsen quickly, especially at night and during early morning hours, as smoke mixes with moisture to create hazardous driving conditions.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Forest Service, ACFR battling 200-acre wildfire south of Hawthorne
Reporting by Staff report, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
