LOCHLOOSA WEST (01)

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Lochloosa West Fire ignited around 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 (with official incident reports tracking it into May 5, 2026). The fire is located near the intersection of South County Road 325 and Southeast County Road 346, east of Micanopy and near the Hawthorne and Cross Creek areas in southeastern Alachua County, Florida.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 956 acres and is currently 85% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially breaking out as a brush fire, the blaze grew rapidly to over 100 acres within hours of ignition, fueled by extremely dry timber, grass, understory, and southern rough. Early in its progression, the fire exhibited moderate to extreme behavior, including long-range spotting. Over the last 72 hours, however, fire behavior has been minimal, primarily consisting of smoldering and creeping.
Containment Efforts: A unified command involves the Florida Forest Service (Waccasassa Forestry Center), Alachua County Fire Rescue, Alachua County Sheriff's Office, St. Johns River Water Management District, and the Cross Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Firefighting assets have included 6 engines, 14 bulldozers, and 3 helicopters (including Florida National Guard aircraft) conducting water drops. Crews successfully conducted nighttime burnout operations—setting fire to unburned vegetation when humidity was higher and winds were lower—to secure containment lines and reduce the fuel supply.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Currently, there are no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Lochloosa West Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: Alachua County Fire Rescue utilized a reverse 911 system to alert residents within a 3-mile radius of the fire, advising them to remain vigilant and monitor conditions.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters have been opened specifically for this fire, as no structures are currently threatened.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• South County Road 325 was shut down between County Road 346 and Southeast 152nd Lane. While the road has seen intermittent reopenings, the Florida Department of Transportation has placed road signs along CR 325 warning of reduced visibility due to recurrent smoke impacts.
• Alachua County Sheriff's Office deputies are actively monitoring local roads for visibility and safety concerns.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service - Current Wildfires
• Alachua County Fire Rescue
• Alachua County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Lochloosa West Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been damaged or destroyed, and none are currently under immediate threat.
School and Business Closures: No specific school or business closures have been announced due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: Smoke from the fire has drifted west and northwest, heavily impacting visibility and air quality in Gainesville, the University of Florida campus, and Paynes Prairie. Additionally, controlled burnout operations resulted in ash falling in parts of East Gainesville and Waldo.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No significant power outages have been reported in connection with this incident.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: A county-wide burn ban is in effect for Alachua County. All outdoor open flames are strictly prohibited due to extreme fire danger and dry vegetation.
Air Quality: Smoke has caused reduced air quality and poor visibility across the county. Residents sensitive to smoke, particularly those with respiratory conditions, are advised to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment currently at 85%, firefighters have made significant progress over the last 72 hours. Crews will continue to monitor the area day and night, focusing on mop-up operations and improving containment lines. Full containment is estimated by the end of May, provided weather conditions remain favorable and no significant new activity occurs.
Weather and Wind Warnings: While recent red flag warnings for low humidity and high winds have expired, the area remains exceptionally dry. Breezy conditions and shifting winds can still pose a risk for smoke impacts and potential flare-ups, so crews remain on high alert.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: Official incident tracking attributes the cause of the Lochloosa West Fire to natural causes, specifically linked to lightning strikes in the area.
Weather and Climate: Extreme climate and weather conditions have been the primary drivers of this fire's initial rapid spread. Alachua County has been experiencing an extensive drought, with relative humidity values dropping as low as 20-30% during the fire's peak. The extremely dry vegetation and timber, combined with these drought conditions, allowed a single spark to latch onto fuels and spread rapidly before containment lines could be established.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service - Current Wildfires
• Alachua County Fire Rescue
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)