Perchman Fire burns through 343 ha (849 acres) in Ocala National Forest, Putnam County, Florida

The Perchman Fire began at 14:13 local time (LT) on May 27 in the Lake George Ranger District, between Little Lake George Wilderness and State Road 19, in the northern half of the Ocala National Forest, Florida.

The fire is burning in swampy terrain, which complicates firefighting operations and restricts the use of heavy equipment. Fire crews used roads and trails as control points, deploying strategic firing operations and Unmanned Aerial Systems on May 29, to reduce vegetation and monitor progression.

Smoke reduced visibility along State Road 19, especially at night and early morning, with fog worsening conditions. Rain on May 29 cleared some smoke, but interior heat is still there, and firefighters continue suppression and patrols.

High fire danger persists in the Ocala National Forest due to dry conditions. A voluntary burn ban is in place in Marion County, and officials urge extinguishing campfires and avoiding spark-causing equipment.

The Florida Department of Transportation and Putnam County officials are monitoring road conditions and issuing advisories. Motorists are advised to reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, follow smoke warning signs on SR-19 and County Road 314, and report visibility issues.

The fire is now 50% contained as per U.S. Forest Service officials.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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