Single Publication

Major Fire Daily Update - May 16, 2023

Release Time: 1000am

Acres: 2970 acres (as of 5/15/2023) Percent Containment: 57%
Start Date: April 27, 2023 Cause: Lightning
Jurisdiction: Ocala National Forest & Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area
Resources: 123 personnel including 1 handcrew, 4 engines, 1 dozer, and 4 helicopters

Highlights: Afternoon high temperatures in the lower 90s with isolated late afternoon thunderstorms today. Winds will shift from the southeast to southwest today, and crews will be monitoring for hot spots or fire spread due to changing winds. Air resources will be used to cool areas of concern and work continues on existing firebreaks. Fire behavior is expected to gradually increase over the next two days. 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 Monday 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 due to shifting winds. 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 gradually increase over the next two days as fine fuels and shrubs dry out. The possibility of new fire starts is also expected to continue over the next 48 hours as the weather forecast indicates an increase in thunderstorm activity. Crews are prepared to respond quickly as new fire starts are reported.

Weather: High temperatures are forecast in the low 90s with lows in the mid 60s. Winds will be from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph with gusts around 15 mph and shift to the southwest. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible during the late afternoon and early evening hours with gusty and erratic winds.

Ocala National Forest & Juniper Prairie Wilderness Temporary Area Closures: Closures are in effect for the Juniper Prairie Wilderness including the Yearling Trail, Juniper Creek Run west of SR19, and 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 Order will be available here. Juniper Recreation and Sweetwater Cabin areas remain open at this time.

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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