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Contact: Big Cypress: Laurie Humphrey, 786-390-2575
Contact: Everglades: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023
Ochopee, FL – Current fire behavior is minimal due to a small amount of precipitation that moved through the area yesterday. This allowed operations to continue to improve existing lines and fire breaks, clear around structures for protection and initiate potential plans to burn out the Loop Road corridor. This was done to help protect local communities and property.
Due to extremely dry conditions, full suppression remains the primary objective of the fire. Tree island hammocks are still smoldering and smoking and have the potential to spread fire if conditions becomes windy and drier. Aerial resources will be used to directly limit fire spread if needed.
The Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes have been providing ground support and supplying meals for the fire crews. Other personnel from USFS, USFWS, BLM, BIA, Collier County, and Florida Highway Patrol are also assisting Big Cypress and Everglades Fire and Aviation, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue assisting in structure protection.
Successful burnouts helped bring a containment of 10% to the fire. Total acreage, with more accurate mapping, is now approximately 25,834.
Due to firefighter activity and public safety, Loop Road is open to local traffic only until further notice. Visitors and travelers could possibly smell and see smoke along US Highway 41 near the Miccosukee Community area and the greater Miami area, depending on the winds and fuels in which the fire is burning.
Values threatened include local communities, US Highway 41, natural and cultural resources, private and NPS infrastructure. The source of the fire was human caused.
Current resources assigned include: 3-Type 3 helicopters; 2-Type 1 helicopter; 3 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs); 1 Air Attack, 1 type 3 engine; 8 type 6 engines; 1 Type 2 IA crew.
Any questions/concerns, please contact James Sullivan, Fire Management Officer: (305) 546-9358 Mike O’Leary, Big Cypress Fire Duty Officer: (239) 719-0241 or Michael Gue, Everglades Fire Duty Officer: (305) 242-7850 / (305) 902-8183.
Updates will continue on Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park websites and social media.
Last updated: May 12, 2020