Wildland crews out of the Florida Forest Service’s Withlacoochee Forestry Center were on the lines Friday in Seminole State Forest in Lake County, working a wildfire estimated at 7 acres. Firefighters reported early progress as they cut control lines and put the blaze at roughly 20% containment in their first update. Thick smoke drifted onto nearby roads, including Botany Woods Drive and State Road 44, prompting warnings to drivers and calls for the public to steer clear so crews could work.
Crews Work Control Lines to Box In Blaze
According to Florida Forest Service - Withlacoochee Forestry Center, firefighters kept building and reinforcing control lines while monitoring the perimeter to keep the fire from spreading. The agency said teams were concentrating on holding the fire in place, checking for hot spots, and protecting nearby infrastructure. Officials repeated their request that residents and onlookers give responders plenty of space and stay out of the area while suppression work continues.
Smoke Creeps Onto Roads, Troopers Called In
“Smoke is impacting Botany Woods Dr. and Highway 44,” the update noted. The post added that the Florida Highway Patrol had been notified to handle smoke signage and that drivers were being urged to slow down and use extra caution, according to Florida Forest Service - Withlacoochee Forestry Center. Motorists in the area were told to expect reduced visibility on those routes while crews finish securing the fire’s perimeter.
Dry Stretch, Prescribed Burns Keep Smoke in the Air
Central Florida is in a dry spell where both prescribed burns and smaller wildfires can send visible smoke across nearby roads, a pattern WKMG ClickOrlando highlighted after January's prescribed burns in Seminole State Forest. State wildfire resources and burn maps maintained by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services show crews responding to numerous small incidents each spring as land managers rely on both prescribed fire and active suppression to reduce the risk of larger, more dangerous blazes.
What Residents Should Do
Officials urged people to stay away from the fire zone and give firefighters the room they need while they lock in control lines. If you see an active column of smoke or visible flames, call 911. Otherwise, follow local traffic advisories and the Florida Forest Service’s updates for the latest on conditions in the area.
