CITRA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) crews battled a massive outside fire on Monday, Dec. 2, in the 13000 block of NW 21st Ct. in Citra.

MCFR says that the blaze, reported at 2:06 p.m., involved a 100’ x 30’ pile of tires that sent flames shooting 50 feet into the air, catching nearby trees on fire.

Heavy black smoke rises from a 100’ x 30’ pile of burning tires as MCFR crews work to contain the fire in Citra. Courtesy: MCFR
State forestry plow and tanker trucks join MCFR firefighters to extinguish an outside fire caused by a permitted burn pile in Citra. Courtesy: MCFR
State forestry and multiple fire stations assist in extinguishing flames from a burn pile fire in Citra on Dec. 2, 2024. Courtesy: MCFR

Multiple 911 callers reported heavy black smoke visible from miles away, according to MCFR. Upon arrival at 2:17 p.m., crews from Sparr Engine Company #19 confirmed the intense blaze and immediately requested support, including a state forestry plow and additional tanker trucks.

Firefighters battle a massive tire fire in Citra, where flames reached 50 feet into the air on Dec. 2, 2024. Courtesy: MCFR
Crews work to control a fast-spreading fire in Citra, brought under control within 40 minutes by MCFR teams. Courtesy: MCFR
Fire crews from Orange Lake, Lowell, and Shady stations assist in controlling a tire fire in Citra on Dec. 2, 2024. Courtesy: MCFR
MCFR crews swiftly contained a fast-spreading fire in Citra, bringing it under control within 40 minutes. Courtesy: MCFR

Firefighters from Orange Lake Station #9, Lowell Station #11, and Shady Station #16 joined the effort. MCFR says that the fire was brought under control by 2:45 p.m.

Authorities determined the fire originated from a permitted burn pile that had spread out of control. No injuries were reported, and crews remained on scene to monitor for hot spots.