A flight restriction is in place over the Gun Range Fire as crews continue to battle the blaze in the Osceola National Forest.
According to the U.S. Forest Service Southern Area Team 3, the restriction is temporarily in place to provide room for air support to help contain the wildfire that began Sunday and is 129 acres in size and 50% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
“Please remember, if you fly we can’t,” a U.S. Forest Service release said. “If a drone or other aircraft enters the air space, all firefighting aircraft will be grounded.”
Firefighters are continuing to monitor, patrol, cool hot spots and remove hazard trees along fire perimeters Thursday. Additionally, firefighters are preparing to install sprinklers on the fire to help protect the Watertown community.
The U.S. Forest Service released added that five helicopters and one air place were available to help fight the fire as well as the Sand Drain Fire near Olustee — that April 12 fire is 56 acres and 75% contained.
Firefighters spent Wednesday focusing on the southern and western flanks of the Gun Range Fire to protect Watertown and more firefighters arrived to help combat the blaze.
According to the release, more firefighters and equipment are on order and specialized equipment is needed to clear the wirelines and deliver water to dried swampy areas.