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Contact: National Fire Information, 239-673-2746
Friday, February 27, 2026
https://www.nps.gov/bicy/learn/news/newsreleases.htm
Size: 30,225 acres as of 2/27/2026, 6:15pm Containment: 0%
Cause: Unknown, Under Investigation Start Date: February 22, 2026
Location: 25 miles east of Naples, Fla; south of I-75, east of SR-29.
Resources: 14 engines, 3 water tenders, 4 helicopters, 3 single engine airtankers (SEATs).
Total Personnel: 154
OCHOPEE, Fla. February 27, 2026 – Suppression efforts are ongoing on the National Fire with progress on the ground supported by aerial resources again today. The closure area on Big Cypress National Preserve has been amended in preparation for tomorrow’s planned strategic firing operations. For the most updated closure information, please visit: Alerts & Conditions - Big Cypress National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)
In order to continue suppression of the National Fire in Big Cypress National Preserve, fire personnel under the command of the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team will conduct a strategic firing operation on the southern portion of the fire beginning on Saturday, February 28, in coordination with Collier County Emergency Management, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Forest Service, the National Park Service and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
On Saturday, February 28, SR-29 will be closed to the public between I-75 and US-41 from approximately 8:00am to 8:00pm, except for local residents. This closure is necessary to provide for public and firefighter safety as firing operations occur on the east side of SR-29 between Deep Lake and Janes Scenic Drive. A voluntary evacuation of Jerome will be in effect during this time. Residents in the Copeland area should be on alert for possible evacuation.
This firing operation is expected to continue on Sunday, March 1 and Monday, March 2 and will involve both ground ignition and aerial ignition of unburned fuels in order to take advantage of favorable weather conditions and reduce the potential for future fire activity in the area. Structure protection actions have been implemented on all structures in the area and firefighters will be positioned there throughout the firing operations.
This firing operation involves applying fire on the ground in a controlled manner to consume unburned vegetation ahead of the main wildfire, helping slow its spread and strengthen containment lines. This unburned vegetation acts as fuel for the wildfire. Firing operations are a common tactic in suppression operations. Fire managers and fire planners have developed primary and contingency plans.
Smoke impacts are anticipated during this three-day time period on sections of I-75, SR-29, US-41 and in surrounding areas.
Last updated: February 27, 2026