MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters are battling a brush fire at Ocala National Forest near Ocklawaha, according to fire rescue.

  • Crews battling brush fire at Ocala National Forest
  • U.S. Forest Service is leading the response 
  • Fire Rescue evacuated residents as a precaution

Officials first responded to the fire near SE 183rd Avenue Road and North Forest Road 22 late Wednesday afternoon.

Although it initially grew to about 750 acres, the wildfire has since shrunk.

Marion County Fire Rescue said authorities evacuated residents within a mile of SE 183rd Avenue Road and North Forest Road 22, as a precaution, calling about 200 homes. Firefighters also knocked on doors of around 50 homes who were in immediate danger and told them to leave.

The U.S. Forest Service is leading the response to the fire, fire rescue officials said. Officials say the fire is in a remote area, making it difficult for firefighters to fight, according to Forest Service spokesperson Tonee Davis. 

Davis also said the heat and dry conditions are also making it challenging for crews battling the fire.

She says lightning from a rainstorm started the fire, and that a "good, heavy rain" will help put it out. 

The Forest Service says they are using four bulldozers and four fire engines to battle the fires. Two helicopters and a tanker will also help with fire-suppression support.

Davis also told Spectrum News that the families who were asked to evacuate are now cleared come home. But she said crews will be monitoring it and the roads for smoke hazards all night long.