News Release

Firefighters Get More Containment Despite Very Dry, Windy Conditions

Helicopters assist with fire suppression on Moon Fish Wildfire

NPS Photo Jeff Kemper

News Release Date: May 13, 2020

Contact: Big Cypress: Laurie Humphrey, 786-390-2575

Contact: Everglades: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023

Ochopee, FL – Fire crews did not let rising temperatures and extremely dry and windy conditions stop them from bringing the Moon Fish Wildfire to a containment of 15% and with total acreage now approximately 25,834. Full suppression is still the primary objective of this fire.

Firefighters continue efforts to clear around as many structures and Hammocks (tree islands) as possible.On 5/9 at 1630, the fire impacted one private in-holding structure (livable) and two out-buildings. Aerial resources are being used to directly limit fire spread as ground access is limited.

The fire is burning through a mix of tall grass, cypress, and hardwood litter. Values threatened include local communities, Hwy US 41, natural and cultural resources, threatened and endangered species habitat, private and NPS infrastructure.

Due to firefighter activity and public safety, Loop Road is open to local traffic only until further notice. Visitors and travelers have a good chance to see and smell smoke along US Highway 41 depending on the direction of the winds and fuels in which the fire is burning.

Personnel from USFS, USFWS, BLM, BIA, The Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, Collier County Law Enforcement, and Florida Highway Patrol have been assisting Big Cypress and Everglades Fire Aviationand ground crews, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue assisting in structure protection. The source of the fire was human caused.

Current resources assigned include: 4-Type 3 helicopters; 2-Type 1 helicopter; 3-Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs); 4-type 6 engines; 1-FWAT; 1-MAST; 1-Type 2 IA crew.

Any questions/concerns, please contact James Sullivan, Fire Management Officer: [phone] Mike O’Leary, Big Cypress Fire Duty Officer: [phone] or Michael Gue, Everglades Fire Duty Officer: [phone] / [phone].

Updates on Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park websites and social media.