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Lochloosa West Fire near Gainesville, Florida: Map, evacuation updates as blaze closes County Road 325 in Alachua County
The fire began on May 4 near South County Road 325 and Southeast County Road 346 and has grown to more than 100 acres.
Update: The Lochloosa West Fire remains at more than 100 acres and is still 0% contained as of the latest evening update. The blaze broke out Monday afternoon and is burning in southeastern Alachua County, Florida, near the Lochloosa and Hawthorne areas, south of Gainesville, Florida.
Fire officials said crews will conduct more detailed mapping on Tuesday to determine a more accurate acreage and assess containment progress. Firefighters will remain on scene overnight, continuing efforts to strengthen and improve containment lines.
Multiple agencies responded to the fire throughout the day, including the Florida Forest Service, Alachua County Fire Rescue, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns River Water Management District, and the Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
Aerial resources remain active, with three helicopters and one air attack aircraft assisting suppression efforts. Dozers continue to cut containment lines, while helicopters are conducting water drops to slow the fire’s forward progression.
Officials say operations will continue around the clock as crews work to contain the wildfire.
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Update: According to an update from the Florida Forest Service – Waccasassa Forestry Center on Facebook, the fire has grown to more than 100 acres, with long-range spotting reported.
No structures are currently under immediate threat. Alachua County Fire Rescue has issued a reverse 911 notification to residents within a three-mile radius of the fire.
Multiple forestry units are en route, and two Florida National Guard helicopters have been ordered to assist.
CR 325 has been shut down from CR 346 to SE 152.
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Initial report: The Lochloosa West Fire is burning in southeastern Alachua County, Florida, near the Lochloosa and Hawthorne areas, south of Gainesville, Florida.
The fire began on May 4 near South County Road 325 and Southeast County Road 346 and has grown to more than 100 acres, with long-range spotting reported.
Officials with the Florida Forest Service say County Road 325 is closed between County Road 346 and Southeast 152nd Lane due to the fire.
Residents within a three-mile radius have been advised of the situation. However, no structures are currently threatened. There are no evacuation orders in place at this time.
