CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – The West River Wildfire, which sparked concerns in Inglis and Citrus County, has been declared 100% contained, bringing a sigh of relief to residents and emergency crews.
The Florida Forest Service – Withlacoochee Forestry Center (FFS-WFC) confirmed this evening that the blaze, which ultimately consumed 36 acres, is no longer actively spreading.
Initially reported late Saturday, June 14, 2025, as an “unknown size wildfire” off North Lamar Point and West River Road, the incident quickly escalated. Citrus County Fire Rescue was first on the scene, with the Florida Forest Service joining shortly after. Lightning was identified as the cause of the fire.
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By 8:39 p.m. on Saturday, the wildfire had grown to 20 acres, with crews struggling against “very thick vegetation” that hampered the efforts of standard-sized dozers. Despite these difficulties, firefighters gained access to the area, and the FFS began establishing control lines.
As of 9:55 p.m., with 20 acres still actively burning and only 5% containment, the situation remained fluid. A storm cell moving into the area added another layer of complexity to the night’s operations, with the immediate plan being to secure high ground and reassess Sunday morning.
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The tide began to turn with the arrival of a “Heavy” dozer, requested specifically to tackle the dense vegetation. This specialized equipment made “great progress,” according to officials. Greenway and Trails crews also provided crucial support with an engine on scene.
Coordinated efforts of all involved agencies have paid off. The West River Wildfire, which saw its name officially updated from the initial “North Lamar Wildfire,” is now entirely contained at 36 acres.
FFS-WFC will continue to monitor the area over the coming days, ensuring no smoke or smoldering remains.
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