THE BREAKDOWN: Firefighters are on the scene of two separate wildfires that broke out just minutes apart on Friday afternoon in Citrus and Hernando counties. One fire was triggered by a lightning strike in an Inverness marsh, while the sizes of both blazes remain unknown as crews work to contain them.
Two new wildfires broke out in west-central Florida late Friday afternoon, drawing immediate responses from local fire departments and state forestry crews. The two blazes ignited within ten minutes of each other, keeping emergency teams busy in both Citrus and Hernando counties.
The first fire started around 4:45 p.m. in Citrus County. State officials from the Florida Forest Service’s Withlacoochee Forestry Center confirmed that a lightning strike started a fire in Inverness.
The flames are currently burning through a marsh area near South Circle Drive. Citrus County Fire Rescue is working alongside the state foresters to manage the situation. As of now, officials state that no structures or buildings are threatened by the fire, though they do not know the exact size of the burn yet.
Minutes later, at 4:55 p.m., emergency calls came in for a separate fire in Hernando County. That blaze is located near Lomita Wren Road in Brooksville. The Withlacoochee Forestry Center and Hernando County Fire Rescue responded to the scene immediately.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause or the size of the Brooksville fire. Because crews are actively moving equipment and trying to establish lines around the area, officials are asking residents to steer clear. Emergency responders emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, “For your safety and theirs, please stay clear of the area and allow responders the space they need to work effectively.”
Operations are ongoing at both locations, and fire officials have not yet provided a timeline for full containment.
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