According to Deb Blick, Trail Resource Coordinator at the Florida Trail Association:
As of Friday afternoon the fires were still burning in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. It was hoped that the rain this weekend would put an end to it. Ocala Fire Management is supposed to call me on Tuesday or Wednesday (03/31-04/01) with an update and let me know whether I can hike thru and assess the damage ahead of opening the Wilderness to the public. >From initial reports some areas of the Wilderness will have no trees left standing but until I get a complete report and walk the trail, I can’t give you any idea of the impact on the Trail or when it will be reopened.
The good news? We’ve had some serious soaking rains around Ocala: a major storm on Saturday evening, and a downpour that just started moments ago. Let’s hope this extends far enough east to put out this persistent fire for good.
