US Forest Service Combats Ocala National Forest Brush Fire: Road Closures Impact Travel

In Marion County, Florida, a significant brush fire has prompted authorities to temporarily close a section of S.R. 19, south of Salt Springs, as firefighters battle to control the situation. The U.S. Forest Service has reported that the blaze, which is situated roughly five miles south of Salt Springs in the Ocala National Forest, is affecting areas east of S.R. 19 near Lake George.

Dense smoke from the fire is leading to reduced visibility on the roads, creating hazardous conditions for drivers. As a result, law enforcement is actively managing traffic flow and advising motorists to pay close attention to the warning signs posted. Furthermore, the authorities have imposed restrictions on travel north from S.R. 40.

In addition to road closures, the fire has impacted activities on Lake George. Boaters in the area are being urged to steer clear as helicopters perform water-dipping operations to aid in extinguishing the fire.

To assist drivers in navigating the affected areas, the Florida Highway Patrol has suggested alternative routes. For those traveling northbound on S.R. 19, it is recommended to take a left turn onto S.R. 40 heading west, then a right onto C.R. 314A, before making another right onto Salt Springs Highway (C.R. 314) to rejoin S.R. 19. Conversely, southbound travelers on S.R. 19 should turn right onto Salt Springs Highway (C.R. 314), make a left onto C.R. 314A, and finally a left onto S.R. 40 to bypass the closed section of the road.

• State Road 19 – Northbound: Motorists wishing to head northbound along S.R. 19 will be directed to turn left (west) onto S.R 40, turn right onto C.R. 314A, and turn right onto Salt Springs Highway (C.R.314) before reaching S.R. 19.

• State Road 19 – Southbound: Motorists wishing to head southbound along S.R.19 will be directed to turn right (west) onto Salt Springs Highway (C.R. 314), turn left onto C.R. 314A, and turn left onto S.R. 40 before reaching S.R. 19.

U.S. Forest Service said they are actively engaged on the fire, with resources including two engines, two dozers, an Interagency Wildland Fire Module, an Interagency Hotshot Crew, the Smokey Helitack ground crew, two helicopters and an air‑attack command ship. Additional resources have been ordered.

Crews have established a dozer line around the perimeter and are using localized firing tactics to keep the fire within that footprint. The fire is estimated at roughly 75 acres as of 6 p.m.

Operations are expected to continue through the night, officials said.

“Ignition was determined to be human caused, accidental,” the U.S. Forest Service said in their statement.