News Release

Burn Ban in Effect Across Collier County

Date: March 7, 2023
Contact: Big Cypress Duty Officer, 561-923-5528

OCHOPEE, FL – Big Cypress National Preserve’s planned prescribed fires will likely be affected by a burn ban instituted by Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services.  A lack of precipitation in recent weeks has created dry fuel conditions and increased the fire danger risk across Collier County and surrounding areas, necessitating a burn ban across Collier County which “prohibits open burning, including outdoor fire or open combustion of material that produces visible emissions, of trash and yard waste, which includes vegetative matter resulting from landscaping and yard maintenance operations.” Visit link for more information Collier County Issues Burn Ban | News Releases | Collier County, FL (colliercountyfl.gov) Big Cypress National Preserve staff and fire managers will continue to closely monitor conditions. 

Visitors should only smoke in areas that are free from combustible fuels and ensure that the cigarette is completely extinguished and disposed of properly. Proper vehicle maintenance and care is encouraged to limit potential fire starts from equipment. Fireworks are always strictly prohibited in all areas of the national preserve. To report a wildfire in the preserve please contact the Florida Interagency Coordination Center (FICC) at 850-523-8600.

Recent prescribed fire operations will help to reduce the risk to life, property, and resources in the event of a wildfire, but cannot prevent them entirely. Planned prescribed fire operations will be placed on hold until weather and other conditions are deemed safe and acceptable to implement ignition operations. Visitors will be notified via web alerts and/or press releases of any upcoming operations.