Shell

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Shell Fire was discovered on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Lake County, Florida. It is located in the north block of the Alexander Springs Wilderness within the Ocala National Forest, approximately five miles east of the Alexander Springs recreation area and 13 miles west of Deland.
Size and Containment: As of May 29, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 2,822 acres and is currently 20% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning in highly volatile, thick wilderness fuels, including southern rough, grass, and brush. It has exhibited active fire behavior, driven by erratic winds and parched vegetation. Early direct suppression attempts by helicopters were challenged by these volatile fuels, prompting a shift in tactics.
Containment Efforts: Fire crews from the U.S. Forest Service and local agencies have transitioned to an indirect containment strategy. Over the last 72 hours, favorable weather and fuel conditions have allowed ground teams (including hotshot crews) and aviation resources to conduct strategic hand-firing and aerial ignition operations. These tactical burns aim to consume unburned interior fuels and safely guide the fire's edge toward man-made control features, such as Forest Road 18 (FR-18) and the 18-1.8A track, to secure the fire's perimeter.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Shell Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: While there are no formal evacuation warnings, the public and dispersed campers are strongly advised to avoid the Bluff Landing area (also known as 52 Landing) for their safety and the safety of fire personnel.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No shelters have been opened at this time as no residential evacuations have been ordered.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Forest Road 18 (FR-18) is closed to the public to allow fire personnel room to work and conduct tactical firing operations.
• Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling on nearby roads, specifically State Road 452 and State Road 445, due to heavy smoke and reduced visibility.

For more information, visit:

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

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Shell Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures are currently reported as threatened, damaged, or destroyed. The fire remains largely within the wilderness area.
School and Business Closures: There are no reported school or business closures at this time.
Notable Impacts: The most significant impact on surrounding communities is the heavy smoke generated by both the main wildfire and the deliberate containment burning operations.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Lake County is currently under a countywide burn ban due to increasing drought conditions and extreme wildfire risk, prohibiting the burning of yard debris, land clearing, and recreational fires. Additionally, the Ocala National Forest is under Stage 1 fire restrictions.
Air Quality: Heavy smoke remains highly visible across local communities, including Astor, Volusia, Deland, Alexander Springs, and Paisley. Smoke may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities if smoke is thick, keep windows and doors closed, and run air conditioning on a recirculation setting.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters anticipate continuing their indirect containment strategies through the weekend. Crews will focus on improving control lines along FR-18, mopping up hot spots, and utilizing aviation resources to address interior fuels. Containment is expected to steadily increase as these tactical firing operations secure the fire's edge against existing forest roads.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Florida is experiencing an extremely active wildfire season. High temperatures in the 90s and heat indices approaching 100 degrees are expected across the Peninsula. While some rain is forecasted for the region, thunderstorms could become locally strong with frequent lightning and gusty winds, posing a severe risk for new natural fire ignitions and erratic fire behavior on existing incidents.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The U.S. Forest Service reports that the Shell Fire was triggered by a severe weather system that brought extreme lightning to the southern end of the Ocala National Forest on May 22 and 23.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being heavily influenced by extreme climate factors, specifically severe to exceptional drought conditions that mark some of the driest conditions Florida has seen in years. The combination of parched vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds has created a highly volatile environment, allowing lightning strikes to easily ignite and rapidly spread through the dense forest fuels.

For more information, visit:

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