Cross Creek wildfire hits 100+ acres with aircraft and helicopters arriving

Smoke rises above trees at the Cross Creek fire.

A wildfire north of Cross Creek grew to over 100 acres on Monday.

Key Points

UPDATE (5:09 p.m.) A third helicopter, sent from a federal department, is now on the scene with the two from Florida National Guard. Smoke is being pushed north and across Gainesville even though the actual fire is over nine miles outside city limits.

A wildfire broke out Monday afternoon north of Cross Creek in Alachua County, with one growing to over 100 acres by 3 p.m.

Called Lochloosa West Fire, the Florida Forest Service reports that two Florida National Guard helicopters have been ordered to the fire as the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office closes County Road 325 from County Road 346 to SE 152nd Lane.

A Florida Forestry Service plane was on site as of 4 p.m., and more forestry units are on the way in addition to Alachua County Fire Rescue units on the scene.

Florida Forest Service said no structures are currently threatened, but the service did issue a reverse 911 call to a three-mile radius to warn residents.

The smoke can be seen from Gainesville, with the police department warning about smokey conditions. Florida Highway Patrol said it was monitoring conditions along Interstate 75 and U.S. 441.