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    Big Cypress

    National Preserve Florida

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Big Cypress Initiates FY 12 Prescribed Fire Season

26102011-Prescribed-Fire
NPS Photo
Prescribed fire along the wildland urban interface of Alligator Alley.

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Date: October 31, 2011
Contact: Bob DeGross, 239-695-1107

On Wednesday, October 26 the Fire and Aviation Division at Big Cypress National Preserve initiated the beginning of the FY 2012 prescribed fire season. 

The division carried out a safe and successful operation using aerial ignition in an area of pinelands and prairies south of Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley.) The fire burned approximately 3,000 acres and was the first prescribed fire mission for the Preserve's new helicopter pilot Fred Goodwin. Favorable conditions allowed the operation to take place adjacent to the wildland urban interface along the Alley corridor with no disruption of travel. 

Resources committed to the operation included 1 helicopter, 1 type 3 engine, 1 fire buggy and 9 people.

Did You Know?

A young alligator emerges from its egg.

Alligator hatching season is typically September through October in south Florida. A female can lay up to 50 eggs, about 45 of which will hatch, but only two or three will make it beyond the first two years of life.