News Release

National Fire Daily Update February 26, 2026

Date: February 26, 2026

https://www.nps.gov/bicy/index.htm 

Size: 25,780 acres    Location: 25 miles east of Naples, Florida; south of I-75, east of SR-29.   

Start Date: February 22, 2026    Cause: Unknown, Under Investigation    Containment: 0% 

Resources:  14 engines, 3 helicopters, 3 Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs).  Total Personnel: 120

OCHOPEE, Fla.  February 26, 2026 – The National Fire is burning within the Big Cypress National Preserve, approximately 25 miles east of Naples, Florida. Local U.S. Wildland Fire Service fire managers transferred command of the fire to the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Fulton Jeansonne, at 6:00 am today. The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy utilizing both direct and indirect tactics, including both ground firefighters and aerial resources. 

Area weather and environmental conditions are contributing to the rapid spread and difficulty of suppressing the National Fire. Factors include lack of rainfall, ongoing Stage 3 drought, frost kill of some vegetation, La Nina conditions, and multiple cold fronts with north winds. Elevated fire weather conditions are expected to continue. 

Yesterday’s Activities – The National Fire was active throughout the day on Wednesday, February 25. Fire personnel continued to construct and strengthen containment lines and conducted defensive firing operations along the southern portion of the fire. Aerial firing operations were conducted on an unburned pocket of fuel in the interior of the northern portion of the fire. Smoke impacted several area roads overnight, including a temporary closure of a section of I-75 (Alligator Alley). 

Today’s Activities – Fire activity is expected to be active again today. Firefighters are continuing to strengthen and enhance existing fire lines around the fire. Firing operations may occur on the southern portion of the fire near Upper Wagon Wheel Road towards State Road 29. Structure protection specialists will begin assessing structures on private inholdings and federal land near the fire area. Aviation resources are available to assist ground personnel as needed. 

Weather and Smoke – Today will be mostly sunny with a high temperature of 85 degrees and minimum humidity of 42 percent. Winds will be from the south at 5-8 mph, with gusts to 17 mph in the afternoon. Fire activity is expected to increase in the late afternoon, then decrease after sundown. Smoke will be visible from area roads and communities. Smoke may impact portions of I-75, SR-29, and US-41 especially during overnight and early morning hours. Overnight winds will be light and variable, allowing smoke to settle. Motorists are advised to use caution and remain alert to changing conditions. Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

Closures – The National Park Service has implemented an area closure for a portion of Big Cypress National Preserve. The closure includes the area south of I-75, east of SR-29, north of Windmill Tram Road, and west of Tru 2, North Concho Billie Trail and Concho Billie Trail.  This includes Bear Island Campground, Pink Jeep Campground, and Gator Head Campground. This closure is in place for the safety of both the public and fire personnel. The closure area has been reduced today, and Burns Lake Campground has reopened for reservations and day use. Additional closure information is available in the Alerts section of the Big Cypress National Preserve website: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/index.htm 

Aircraft and Drone Restrictions – A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area. The public is asked not to fly any type of aircraft, including drones, near the fire area. Unauthorized drone (UAS) flights pose serious risks to the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfires to grow larger. If you fly, we can’t.