News Release

Wildfires Burn in Big Cypress National Preserve, Area Closures Issued

News Release Date: February 23, 2026

Contact: Riki Hoopes, 786-886-9342

OCHOPEE, Fla. – Late on February 22, two fires were discovered within Big Cypress National Preserve. Local ground and aviation crews are actively engaged in fire suppression activities, and additional resources have been requested.

The Grand Fire, located north of Interstate-75 is currently under 5 acres, with limited spread potential.

The National Fire, located south of I-75 and east of State Road 29, is actively burning with a moderate to high spread potential and was approximately 5,000 acres when mapped early this afternoon.

Due to the location of the fire, the active fire behavior and weather conditions, fire managers have implemented an area closure for all areas south of I-75, east of SR 29, north of HWY 41, and west of TRU 2, Concho Billie Trail, and Skillet North (please see attached map).

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.