Date: June 4, 2007
Contact: Bob DeGross, 239-695-1107
Contact: Art Wirtz, Incident PIO, 602-206-6816
Yesterday’s Fire Activities:
- The mandatory evacuation order for private landowner access has been lifted. The previous closure to all recreational access remains in effect.
- Fire remains staffed and was patrolled by ground and aerial resources.
- Preparation of contingency lines around private in-holdings and improvements were continued should the fire become active as conditions become drier.
- Firefighters continued to work on the north and west sides of the other fires on the Big Cypress National Preserve using hand crews, engines, and equipment to strengthen lines, mop-up, and rehabilitate fire lines.
- Accelerated demobilization of excess resources began.
- No private properties have been damaged due to fires.
The BICY Complex consists of one major fire. There was no fire movement. Very isolated burning stumps and logs were observed well within the interior of the fire. Drying is expected for the next few days. Both the Strickland and Midrest fires have burned together resulting in approximately 24 miles of fire line on the north side of I-75 from mile marker 52 to mile marker 76.
Fire Facts;
Date Started: May 4, 2007; Cause of Ignition: Lightning; Location: 23 miles N/E Everglades City; Size: 63,599 acres; Percent contained: 90%; Est. Containment: Unknown; Aircraft: 3; Handcrews: 7; Equipment: Engines 7 Dozers 2; Number of Personnel: 325; Injuries to date: one
Today’s Planned Events:
- Continue mitigation and rehabilitation of fire lines, perimeter patrol, and mop-up.
- Continue preparation of contingency lines for protection of structures and improvements should the fire become active in the near future as conditions dry.
- Continue accelerated demobilization of excess resources.
- Transition will occur Monday from the current Type I Incident Management Team to a much smaller Type 3 Incident Management Team with fewer firefighters which will continue rehabilitation and monitoring of fire activity until a significant rainfall event occurs. Transfer of command is anticipated to occur Tuesday at 0800.
Weather Forecast:
Partly cloudy with isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Chance of rain is 20%. Wind SW 10-15. Relative humidity 43-47%. Temperature 90 to 93.
