News Release

Moon Fish Wildfire - Burnout Operations in Firefighters' Favor and Light Rain Received

News Release Date: May 10, 2020

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

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

Ochopee, FL – Throughout late yesterday afternoon and evening, successful burnout operations occurred along the boundary road of Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park on the eastern fire perimeter. This aided in operations to secure the Miccosukee Reserved Area community and to prevent further spread east into Everglades National Park.

Additional burn out operations were successfully carried out along the Loop Road and due to firefighter activity and public safety, Loop Road is open to local traffic only until further notice. Full suppression actions continued with direct attack operations. Due to the success of the burnouts the fire is 10% contained.

Precipitation was predicted for most of today in the fire area. The fire received a light rain, but conditions remain extremely dry. Fire suppression actions will continue with aerial and ground resources as weather permits.

The Moon Fish wildfire, currently 27,037 acres, actively burned yesterday through sawgrass, cypress, and hardwood fuels causing the fire to grow significantly within a short amount of time. The fire grew to the south and west with active fire observed on all sides.

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.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Values threatened include local communities, Hwy US 41, natural and cultural resources, private and NPS infrastructure. The source of the fire was human caused and the individual was cited.

Personnel from USFS, USFWS, BLM, BIA, Collier County, Miccosukee Police, Seminole Tribe, Florida Highway Patrol are assisting Big Cypress and Everglades Fire and Aviation, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue assisting in structure protection.

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: [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.