Wildfire destroys 150 acres in Cedar Key, FL, April 20

Levy County, Florida - On Thursday afternoon, April 20, 2023, a fire in the Rosewood area of Cedar Key, Florida burned about 150 acres, with strong winds contributing to the rapid spread of the fire, according to the Florida Forest Service - Waccasassa Forestry Center and the Levy County Sheriff's Office. The fire started near the end of Southwest 124 Terrace, approximately one-half mile north of State Road 24 and about one mile west of Shiloh Road.

When the fire was approximately 80% contained, around 8:20 pm, the evacuation order was lifted for residents who live west of Shiloh Road to County Road 347, and from southwest 63rd place to State Road 24.

At 4:00 pm, the evacuations were in place, but there was no loss of occupied structures and no road closures. One abandoned mobile home and one camper were destroyed, and the Florida Forest Service had nine dozers and one fixed-wing aircraft working to contain the wildfire. Federal resources included a Type 1 helicopter from the Ocala National Forest making water drops to slow down the spread of the fire, and an air tanker making retardant drops to protect structures.

Other units on scene included the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks, Levy County Department of Public Safety, Cedar Key Fire Rescue and Bronson Fire Rescue.