Shell

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Shell Fire ignited at approximately 10:16 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026. It is located in the north block of the Alexander Springs Wilderness within the Ocala National Forest in eastern Lake County, Florida, approximately 11.4 miles west-northwest of DeLand and five miles east of the Alexander Springs recreation area.
Size and Containment: As of the latest reporting over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 2,822 acres and is currently 70% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning in "Southern Rough" and highly volatile, thick wilderness fuels. While the fire initially grew rapidly due to erratic winds, fire behavior over the last 72 hours has been minimal, characterized primarily by smoldering and creeping.
Containment Efforts: The response is operating under the Unified Command of the U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida, with assistance from Lake County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service. Due to the thick wilderness, crews have utilized an indirect confinement strategy, successfully executing strategic hand-firing operations to tie the north and west sides of the fire to Forest Roads 18 and 18-1.8. The estimated cost of the response to date is $300,000.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in effect for the Shell Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no evacuation warnings in effect at this time.
Curfew: No curfews have been issued for the surrounding areas.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no active evacuations, no shelters are currently open. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and monitor local Lake County alerts.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Major highways remain open, but motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling on nearby roads, including State Road 452 and State Road 445.
• Heavy smoke from both the main wildfire and deliberate containment burning may cause reduced visibility on local roadways.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Lake County Emergency Management
• U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Shell Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. The fire has remained confined to the Alexander Springs Wilderness area.
School and Business Closures: There are no reported school or business closures due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire is actively burning within the Ocala National Forest, temporarily impacting local wilderness access and wildlife habitats.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages related to the fire have been reported.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: The U.S. Forest Service is enforcing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, and a local burn ban remains in effect for Lake County due to extreme drought conditions.
Air Quality: Heavy smoke remains highly visible across local communities, including Astor, Volusia, DeLand, Alexander Springs, and Paisley. Smoke from the fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure if smoke is heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire currently at 70% containment and exhibiting minimal growth over the last 72 hours, firefighters project continued success in holding the perimeter. Crews remain on the scene to monitor the fire, patrol containment lines, and address any unburned pockets of fuel that may flare up in the interior.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Fire officials warn of dangerous heat and persisting extensive drought conditions in the region. While some localized precipitation has occurred recently, fine and medium fuels dry out rapidly in the direct sun, keeping the overall wildfire potential high.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Shell Fire was naturally caused, triggered by extreme lightning strikes from a severe weather system that moved through the southern end of the forest on May 22.
Weather and Climate: The fire's initial ignition and rapid spread were heavily influenced by extreme lightning and erratic winds. Furthermore, ongoing extensive drought conditions and dangerous heat in Central Florida have exacerbated the situation. Earlier in 2026, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) projected an above-normal wildfire risk for Florida, linked to persistent atmospheric patterns resembling La Niña, which typically reduce precipitation and increase temperatures across the southeastern United States.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Lake County Emergency Management
• U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida