Florida Forest Service - Withlacoochee Forestry Center

10/11/2026

🔥 Be Aware When Burning Hurricane Debris 🔥

The Florida Forest Service is asking Floridians in areas impacted by Hurricane Isaias to use caution when burning debris piles. Since smoke can travel great distances, be mindful of your neighbors as many are still without power and most homes have open windows.

Burn piles must be less than 8 feet in diameter, extinguished one hour before sunset, and there are required setbacks from your house, forests, and roads.

To learn more, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com.

10/11/2026

10/05/2026

🔥 National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10) 🔥
Florida’s public and private forestlands are fire-dependent ecosystems that require a variety of programs and systems to help protect lives, homes, and natural resources during the state’s year-round wildfire season.
Our Fire Prevention Program, alongside Smokey Bear, spreads the fire prevention message to communities and children through events and workshops. In addition, the Firewise USA Program educates homeowners about creating defensible spaces in yards and around homes to protect them from wildfire.
Prescribed fire is one of the most important weapons the Florida Forest Service uses to combat catastrophic wildfires. The agency has the most robust prescribed fire program in the country, treating nearly 580,000 acres since the beginning of 2023. In a typical year, FFS issues 85,000 burn authorizations, allowing landowners to burn more than 2.5 million acres across Florida. The other 49 states combined treat 7.5 million acres annually with prescribed fire.
🌿 Prepare your home and burn yard waste safely: BeWildfireReadyFL.com
🌿 View resources on wildland fire: fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire
🌿 Learn about prescribed fire: fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Prescribed-Fire

10/01/2026

UPDATE: Silver Eagle Road Marsh Fire
Groveland, Lake County
October 1, 2026 – 4:15 PM
The Silver Eagle Road Marsh Fire remains at 281 acres and is now 90% contained. FFS‑WFC wildland firefighters will continue monitoring the area by air patrol and drones. Light smoke or smoldering may still be visible, which is normal for a marsh fire.
We appreciate the community’s patience and awareness as crews finish securing the area. Groveland Fire Department, Lake County Fire Rescue - Official

10/01/2026

UPDATE: Lake Mack Drive
Deland, Lake County
10/01/2026 4:15 PM
100% Containment and 3 acres
Cause: UNDER INVESTGATION

FFS-WFC Wildland Firefighters will continue to monitor the area for several days until no smoke or smoldering are visible. All crews will be releasing shortly. Lake County Fire Rescue - Official
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The Florida Forest Service – Withlacoochee Forestry Center is responding to a 10-acre wildfire off of Lake Mack Drive, Deland, Lake County. Lake County Fire Rescue - Official is also on scene actively protecting a structure. Please no drones, we can't fly if you are!
Additional information will be provided as conditions develop.
For the safety of both responders and the public, please avoid the area and allow personnel the space necessary to conduct their operations effectively

10/01/2026

The Florida Forest Service – Withlacoochee Forestry Center is responding to a 10-acre wildfire off of Lake Mack Drive, Deland, Lake County. Lake County Fire Rescue - Official is also on scene actively protecting a structure. Please no drones, we can't fly if you are!

Additional information will be provided as conditions develop.
For the safety of both responders and the public, please avoid the area and allow personnel the space necessary to conduct their operations effectively

10/01/2026

Silver Eagle Road Marsh Fire Update
Groveland, Lake County
October 1, 2026 – 9:15 AM
The Silver Eagle Road Marsh Fire remains at 250 acres and is currently 10% contained. Fire crews continue working to secure the area and slow fire spread.
Planned Operations for Today:
•Helicopter water drops will resume this morning to support ground crews.
•The FFS–WFC Drone Team is conducting mapping and providing real-time visual updates to assist in fire assessment and response efforts.
Residents in the area may see increased aircraft activity throughout the day. Please avoid the fire zone and follow any instructions from local authorities.
We will provide additional updates as conditions change.

10/01/2026

🌳 State Forest Awareness Month 🌲

Join the Florida Forest Service in celebrating State Forest Awareness Month and recognizing the invaluable role that forests have in our lives. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, there is a Florida State Forest just around the corner.

The Sunshine State boasts 38 State Forests and one ranch that encompass almost every region of the state, from the Panhandle and the First Coast to central Florida and southwest Florida.

Visit ExploreFloridaForests.com to find a State Forest near you and enjoy the wonders of our state’s diverse forests.

10/01/2026

Update: Silver Eagle Road Marsh Fire
Groveland, Lake County
September 30, 2026 – 8:25 PM
Approximately 250 acres have burned, and the fire remains 10% contained. Helicopter operations have concluded for the night and will resume in the morning. FFS–WFC wildland firefighters will continue to monitor the area, and ground crews will return in the morning as well.
This will be the final update for the evening.

09/30/2026

Update: Silver Eagle Road Marsh Fire
Groveland, Lake County
September 30, 2026 – 7:15 PM
The Silver Eagle Road Marsh Fire continues to burn within a 1,000‑acre swamp area. Approximately 250 acres have burned, and the fire is now 10% contained.

Marsh fires typically burn deep‑seated organic material, such as peat, muck, and dense vegetation. Because this material can smolder below the surface, marsh fires may burn for extended periods and produce significant smoke even when flames are not visible.

Two Florida Forest Service helicopters have conducted roughly 250 water drops and will continue suppression efforts for another hour.
Smoke will be visible in the area. The Florida Highway Patrol is monitoring conditions along Highways 19 and 50, and smoke warning signs are in place.

Drivers traveling in smoky areas should slow down, increase their following distance, and use low‑beam headlights so they remain visible to others. All drivers should follow instructions from law enforcement and posted warning signs and use caution when traveling through affected areas.