Local firefighters and the Florida Forest Service have 90% contained a brush fire involving 236 acres near County roads 225 and 1475, the state reported Tuesday on Facebook. 

The fire, which was north and east of the Gainesville Raceway, started Monday as a small blaze, but shifting winds moved the fire before it could be extinguished, according to an Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) press release.

ACFR and the Forest Service along with the LaCrosse Fire Rescue, Windsor Fire Department and Melrose Fire Department battled the blaze, which grew to 150 acres by Monday afternoon.

By Monday night at 7:30 p.m., it was 70% contained, but had spread to 236 acres  

The Forest Service’s Waccasassa Forestry Center posted Tuesday at noon that their personnel were still on site, dealing with the fire’s remaining hot spots while a fixed-wing aircraft monitored the area from above. The service brought in eight dozers. and a helicopter, which made more than 40 water drops, to help contain the blaze. 

A phone alert was sent Monday to the local residents about the fire and smoke conditions in the area, according to ACFR, and three homes were issued a voluntary evacuation, according to the Fire Service. Two homeowners evacuated, but evacuations were lifted by early Monday evening as the fire was brought under control. 

The Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies also aided motorists on Memorial Day as the ACFR urged people to avoid traveling 225 in the area near the fire.