OCALA, Fla. — Neighbors returned home Thursday morning after a fast-moving wildfire caused by a lightning strike forced them to evacuate Wednesday in the Ocala National Forest.

The U.S. Forest Service said smoke from the fire may cause visibility issues on SE 183rd Avenue Road.

At one point, the brush fire was 750 acres, and firefighters battled it from the air and ground. By Thursday afternoon, it was at 466 acres and 50 percent contained.

The dry conditions are ideal for wildfires. Ironically, the cause of the "power line fire" was a lightning strike brought by a small rainstorm.

The residents of about 200 homes were asked to evacuate, but they've been allowed back to their homes.

But firefighters said residents should be ready in case they're asked to move again.

"This is a wake-up call (that) if you haven't been ready, you should be ready. Just like hurricane season, if you live within a forested area, or an area that can burn, you should always have your home safe and make sure you have the right vegetation and you have everything you need to protect your home," said Tonee Davis of the Ocala National Forest.

Crews also used retardant to keep the fire at bay.

Another, smaller fire dubbed the "island pond fire" that was the product of two small fires that merged together was at 101 acres and 75 percent contained, firefighters said.

It may take a good, heavy rainstorm to put out the fire out for good, they said, although it looks as if it will be another day of hot and dry conditions.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is directing his office to assist Marion County Fire Rescue with any resources they may need.