News Release

Big Cypress Rescinds Closure for Lostmans Pace Prescribed Fire

Date: July 24, 2018
Contact: Ardrianna McLane, 239-695-1107

Ochopee – Effective immediately, Big Cypress National Preserve will reopen Zone 4 of the Stairsteps Unit from Paces Dike east to Lostmans Slough. The area had been temporarily closed due to planned prescribed fire activity. Although environmental conditions and weather are good for prescribed fire in that location, National Fire Preparedness Levels have increased to a level 4. As the national focus shifts to support the western wildfire season, we are temporarily putting the prescribed fire burn operations on hold. During the summer months, Big Cypress wildland firefighters devote their time and skills to other agencies across the west battling severe fire conditions.