A brush fire broke out yesterday afternoon near N. Range Way and W. Custer Drive in the Beverly Hills neighborhood of Citrus County, prompting a quick response from wildland and local fire crews, authorities said.
The Florida Forest Service's Withlacoochee Forestry Center urged people to stay away from the area so engines and heavy equipment could move in and out safely. Citrus County Fire Rescue crews were on scene to shield nearby homes while wildland firefighters attacked the flames. Officials said they had not yet determined the fire's size or level of containment.
Forest Service Issues Wildfire Alert
In a Facebook post, the Withlacoochee Forestry Center labeled the incident a "wildfire alert" in the area of N. Range Way and W. Custer Drive and again asked the public to steer clear so crews could work. The post did not include acreage or containment figures and noted that firefighters were still assessing the scene. Citrus County Fire Rescue was identified as providing structure protection, according to the Florida Forest Service 2d20Withlacoochee Forestry Center.
Who Is Responding And What Residents Should Know
The Withlacoochee Forestry Center is responsible for wildland fire response in Citrus County and neighboring counties and coordinates the initial attack with local fire departments. When flames threaten homes, local fire-rescue agencies typically focus on protecting buildings and residents while wildland crews work on controlling the fire's perimeter and extinguishing hotspots. Those roles are outlined by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Dry Conditions And Local Burn Bans
Officials have recently warned that dry weather and heightened fire danger have kept firefighters on edge this season. The City of Inverness, working with Citrus County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service, declared a burn ban that took effect Wednesday, according to the City of Inverness.
Across Florida, a series of wildfires and county burn bans has been documented in recent weeks, a trend tied to unusually dry conditions statewide, according to USA TODAY.
Recent Brush Fire Activity Nearby
The Beverly Hills area is no stranger to brush fires this season. In February, two separate blazes in Citrus County were contained with help from local departments and the Withlacoochee crew, as reported in twin brush blazes. That recent activity is one reason agencies move fast when smoke is reported near homes.
Residents with immediate safety concerns are urged to call 911. Officials also share updates on their social media channels. For the most current official information on Thursday's fire, check the Florida Forest Service 2d20Withlacoochee Forestry Center's Facebook post and notices from Citrus County Fire Rescue.
