Firefighters are battling a large wildfire in the Withlacoochee State Forest, according to the Florida Forest Service.

  • Wildfire started in the Richloam area
  • Fire grew from 15 acres to 100 acres in 45 minutes
  • No structures have been affected

The 400-acre fire started in the Richloam area of the forest near State Road 471 and Center Road, which is about 23 miles from Brooksville.

The Florida Forest Service said no structures had been affected. The nearest homes and businesses are less than 10 miles away in Tarrytown.

The Florida Forest Service, which is working the fire, is using six dozers and two helicopters to fight the fire.

Hernando County Fire Rescue is monitoring the fire, in case it heads toward that area.

Fire officials are urging people to avoid using the forest roads while crews work to suppress the flames.

A spokeswoman with the Florida Forest Service says fire grew from 15 acres to 100 acres in 45 minutes.