Brush fire: Dry weather, high heat impacts massive Marion County blaze

A strong smell of smoke permeated across Central Florida Thursday due to a large brush fire burning in Marion County.

The hot and dry weather isn't helping, either.

“Dry weather and high heat turn vegetation to kindling,” Severe Weather Center 9 meteorologist Kassandra Crimi said.

Firefighters said the fire forced 200 residents to evacuate their homes Wednesday afternoon, but were allowed to return overnight.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Watch: 5-Day Forecast | Watch Live: Doppler 9 HD

The Florida Forest Service said the fire started around 2 p.m., and has grown to about 505 acres near the Ocklawaha Basin in the Ocala National Forest.

No structures were damaged, firefighters said.

Firefighters said there were five helicopters making bucket drops around with an aircraft dropping water on the flames.

Fire Rescue and Sheriff's Office officials are urging residents to register for “Alert Marion,” a free emergency notification system.

As of Thursday morning, firefighters said the fire is still burning, but plow lines have been cut around it.

30 May 2019: **Ocala National Forest Fire Update**

-- 505 acres in total
-- No structures in danger
-- Forestry units will be on scene all day
-- Use caution while traveling in area due to residual smoke
— MCFR (@MCFRPIO) May 30, 2019

Temperatures will be in the mid-90s Thursday, but still no rain until possibly the weekend. There is a 20% chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday, Severe Weather Center 9 meteorologist Kassandra Crimi said.

"Fire concerns will be elevated for the next few days or even weeks, as dry and hot air continues to hover over Central Florida. We could see some relief in the form of rain this weekend, but we’ll have to keep an eye on the possibility of lightning," Crimi said.

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⬆️60s dewpts. Although not summer-like, still very MUGGY.
This (& w/ calm winds) help fires not to propagate.Dry season almost ends & we NEED rain.Luckily all ingredients aren’t there for fires, but if 1 gets going (by human) it can burn for a while & much pic.twitter.com/QJ9i17vCOz
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) May 30, 2019