MARION COUNTY-Firemen representing state federal and local agencies are gaining ground in combating a forest larger than anticipated.
 

Low humidity and high winds helped contribute to the fire’s rapid spread.

The fire was first reported Saturday afternoon, since that time officials have been encouraging residents to leave the area.

Those that were able to avoid the path of destruction are counting their blessings.

Maureen Lunsford of Marion County describes the scene like this, “It looks like WW3 out here, it’s like the forest is all gone, alot of the homes we know everyone out here it’s like one big family...it’s sad it really is.”
 

The Florida Department of Transportation has several of the main roads including SR 40 at SR19 blocked to prevent traffic from entering dangerous areas...but also preventing from people getting home.