Growing brush fire in Ocala National Forest drives hundreds from their homes

Marion County, Fla. — Two separate brush fires forced hundreds of Marion County residents to evacuate their homes Thursday afternoon.

The Florida Forest Service said the fires near the Ocklawaha Basin in the Ocala National Forest, started around 2 p.m.

One has grown to around 800 acres and the smaller fire is reported to be  significantly smaller.

According to MCFR, around 50 homes and 200 residents have been evacuated but there are no reports at this time that any structures have been damaged.

Firefighters say there are five helicopters making bucket drops with another aircraft dropping water on the flames.

This is developing story, check back for updates. See video here in the APP