U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida

07/28/2026

UPDATE 7/29/26: Salt Springs Day Use has REOPENED!!

🚫Salt Springs Day Use is temporarily CLOSED🚫

Please be advised that Salt Springs Day Use is closed temporarily due to a wildlife issue that could impact public safety.

We are working to reopen the area as soon as possible.

For your safety, please do not attempt to visit the area until it is reopened.

Thank you.

07/28/2026

Help protect your home and property from wildfire. Follow these safety tips to proactively defend your space.

Wildfire prevention starts with each of us. Clear brush around your home to create defensible space, follow local fire restrictions and never leave a campfire unattended. Your actions help protect our forests, firefighters and communities. Learn more at https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

07/25/2026

While crews remain ready to respond to new fire starts, they also take on important wildfire‑prevention work in local recreation areas. At places like Ocean Pond Campground, firefighters remove hazard trees that could threaten visitors, block evacuation routes, or complicate future fire response.

It’s one more way they help keep our forests (and the people who enjoy them) safe.

07/24/2026

07/23/2026

After high fire activity calms down, firefighters stay to track down any lingering heat. Crews hike into dense brush to reach smoldering pockets that engines can’t access, cooling hotspots hidden under vegetation and debris. Along the line, engines and water tenders supply steady water so firefighters can secure the area piece by piece. And when heat is buried deep in terrain, aerial drops from aircraft help reach what’s impossible from the ground.

This is MOP-UP: the careful work that prevents flare‑ups and keeps communities safe long after the flames disappear.

07/22/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE -- NAVY TRAINING WITH LIVE BOMBING AT PINECASTLE RANGE COMPLEX (OCALA NF) ON JULY 23:

U.S. Navy training schedules indicate that bombing (with LIVE ordnance) will take place at the Pinecastle Range Complex, located on the Ocala National Forest.

Please note the scheduled training (bombing) date/time and follow public safety guidance listed below:

Thursday, July 23 – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (LIVE)

BE ADVISED:
* Do not enter the expanded safety perimeter around the Pinecastle Range Complex during announced training operations. This includes by foot, bike and any vehicle.

* Use extra caution when driving through the Ocala National Forest and surrounding areas. Be aware of startled wildlife, temporarily displaced by military training activities. Secure any items around your residence which may attract wildlife. Always be mindful of larger animals, including black bears, and practice "BearWise" measures. http://myfwc.com/wildlife.../managed/bear/wise/neighborhood/

* Submit Pinecastle-related "Noise Complaints" via email: [email protected].

For more about the Ocala National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/florida

U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
NAS Jacksonville
Ocala/Marion County, Florida
Florida Forest Service
Marion County, Florida
MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife
Ocala News
Naventure at Ocala National Forest
Ocala Forest Friends and Families

07/20/2026

The South leads the nation in the use of prescribed fire, and North Florida is a major contributor to that success. These forests and wetlands are landscapes that need regular fire to stay healthy, something land managers work hard to maintain through a robust, year‑round prescribed fire program.

But even the best plans can be disrupted. Long‑term drought across Florida and Georgia has made conditions less predictable, and that changes how safely fire can be used. At the same time, the availability of wildfire resources nationally can influence local decisions. Fire managers weigh many factors like weather, fuel conditions, staffing, and the needs of the surrounding community before choosing the best approach for any situation.

Right now, that means full suppression on new wildfires. It’s not because fire is unwanted on the landscape; it’s because the current mix of drought, weather, and resource limitations requires a different strategy to protect the land.

Every decision is unique, informed by science, experience, and the guiding principle of Gifford Pinchot: providing “the greatest good” by caring for the resource today and for the future.

07/19/2026

Fireline medics play a crucial role on wildfires. They hike with crews, carrying packs loaded with trauma supplies, bandages, hydration tools, and everything needed to treat injuries far from roads or ambulances. Their gear is designed for tough terrain and long days, and every item supports quick, effective care when minutes matter.

Medics also focus on prevention, keeping an eye on heat stress, hydration, and fatigue so small issues don’t turn into serious problems. The video gives a closer look inside a medic pack and shows how these responders prepare before heading out with the crews.

07/18/2026

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) are becoming an essential tool on wildfires, and you’ll see them more often on incidents across North Florida. From above, UAS teams can map hot spots, scout fire edges, identify areas of heat that may not be visible on the ground, and help crews plan safe, effective tactics. The aerial view also gives managers a clearer picture of burnout progress, access routes, and changing conditions in real time.

UAS flights are part of the larger aviation picture on a wildfire. Pilots check NOTAMs, review any Special Use Airspace information, and coordinate with incident leadership to keep the airspace safe for all fire aircraft.

Even when no Temporary Flight Restriction is in place, it’s important to keep the skies clear. Recreational and commercial drone operators should always check FAA NOTAMs, stay well away from wildfire areas, and never fly when fire resources are operating. Unauthorized drones can halt aviation operations and slow suppression efforts.

The photos and video from yesterday’s UAS mission highlight just how valuable this tool is in supporting crews on the ground, giving firefighters clearer intel while helping keep everyone safe.

As you head into the weekend, please be alert near fires, and keep the airspace clear so aviation resources can do their jobs.

Thank you for helping us protect both the land and the people who care for it.

07/17/2026

There have been multiple vehicle-caused fires on the Ocala National Forest this year. This is a friendly reminder on how to prevent wildfires when driving, working or recreating on public lands.

🚫 Forest visitors are reminded that it is against the law to operate motorized vehicles off of designated roads and trails. Violators will be prosecuted and may face a $5,000 fine, and have their vehicle confiscated. Additionally, violators may be financially responsible for all fire suppression costs.

Follow these simple actions to prevent and help reduce human-caused wildfires:

🚗 VEHICLES
✅ Avoid parking, driving or idling a vehicle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on dry grass, brush or weeds as it could cause a wildfire. Park on pavement when possible.
✅ Tow safely by securing chains behind vehicles to prevent dragging and causing sparks.
✅ Maintain vehicles using spark arrestors on ATV’s and UTV’s, properly inflate tires and secure chains or other items that may drag and throw sparks.
✅ Check tire pressure. Driving under inflated tires or on exposed wheel rims can cause sparks.

🚜 EQUIPMENT
✅ Avoid driving or parking on dry grass, brush or weeds. Park on pavement when possible.
✅ Even lawnmowers can cause sparks. Check your weather conditions and avoid using lawnmowers and power equipment on hot, dry days. Try to mow early in the morning and avoid mowing weeds, dry grass or rocks.
✅ When using outdoor power equipment; i.e., welding, chainsaws, etc., make sure adequate water, hand tools and extinguishers are available in case a fire starts.
✅ Avoid having open flames or creating sparks that can ignite dry vegetation.

🚬 SMOKING
✅ Use an ashtray if you smoke outdoors or in a vehicle.
✅ Dispose of ci******es or other smoking materials appropriately.
✅ Never throw ci******es out of your car window.

Check and follow county burn bans: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/1f6572c92f8d41ec860f461ea433819b

For more information and fire prevention tips, visit: SmokeyBear.com