News Release

Hilux Wildfire Burns in Cypress National Preserve, Area Closures Issued

News Release Date: April 4, 2026 OCHOPEE, Fla. – On April 3, a wildfire was reported within the northwest corner of Big Cypress National Preserve.

The Hilux Fire, located north of Interstate-75 and east of State Road 29, near Bear Island Campground, is burning in pines and prairie with a moderate to high spread potential and was approximately 250 acres when mapped late yesterday evening. Local ground and aviation crews are actively engaged in fire suppression activities, and additional resources have been requested.

Smoke impacts can be expected along SR 29, and on private lands and surrounding communities north of the preserve. No impacts are expected to Alligator Alcatraz.

Due to the location of the fire, the active fire behavior and weather conditions, fire managers have implemented an area closure for all areas north of I-75, west of Bundschu Grade, south of Big Cypress Boundary, and east of SR 29. This includes Bear Island, Gator Head, and Pink Jeep Campgrounds.

Additionally, residents in the closure area are being advised to:

• Be in “Ready” status, signaling there is an active wildfire in the area.
• Monitor updates via Big Cypress National Preserve web alerts at Alerts & Conditions - Big Cypress National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) - and local media. 

There are no immediate threats to residents at this time.