Fire crews have all but boxed in a fast-moving brush fire near Pine Ridge along North Lecanto Highway, after smoke from the so-called Hampshire wildfire spread across the Nature Coast on Sunday. The blaze tore through dry vegetation but has since shifted into mop-up mode, with firefighters focused on tightening control and cooling lingering hot spots.
Withlacoochee Crews Map the Blaze as Containment Climbs
In a social media update, the Florida Forest Service's Withlacoochee Forestry Center reported that crews had mapped the Hampshire fire at roughly 86 acres and pushed containment to about 90 percent while they worked on mop-up and reinforced containment lines. Earlier estimates had the blaze closer to 110 acres, but refined mapping trimmed the official footprint. A Florida Forest Service helicopter has been conducting flyovers to search for remaining hot spots, and Citrus County Fire Rescue has stayed on scene to help with suppression and safeguard nearby structures, according to Florida Forest Service 2D Withlacoochee Forestry Center.
Burn Bans and Regional Fire Risk
Recent dry weather has turned parts of the Nature Coast into kindling, keeping several counties under outdoor burning restrictions. Officials warn that even a small spark can quickly turn into a fast-moving fire under current conditions. Coverage of nearby incidents notes that Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties have been operating under no-burn or emergency burn bans during the prolonged dry spell, and residents are urged to check local advisories before burning any debris, as reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
What Residents Should Know
Officials are asking people to steer clear of the North Lecanto Highway area while crews finish their overhaul work and to keep drones on the ground so aircraft can safely operate overhead. The site will remain under close watch until hot spots are fully out and conditions settle down, and residents can find local Florida Forest Service contact information through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
