News Release

Tropical System Bringing Relief On The Moon Fish Wildfire

News Release Date: May 15, 2020

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

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

Ochopee, FL – An early tropical system tamped down the Moon Fish Wildfire today with over an inch of rain. This system brought some beneficial rain to southern Florida with a slight chance of rain on Saturday. The water levels in Big Cypress National Preserve are quite low due to weeks of dry weather and below average rainfall. 

The Moon Fish Wildfire acreage is approximately 25,834 and is now 35% contained, up from 15%. Fire resources will continue to secure the fire line, clearing hammocks with ground and aerial resources and suppressing fire activity along the western perimeter with aerial resources as weather permits.  

Yesterday crews implemented protection measures for red cockaded woodpecker cavity trees in the Lostmans Pines area. Other 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, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and Florida Highway Patrol have been assisting Big Cypress and Everglades Fire Aviation and ground crews. 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); 7-type 6 engines; 1-FWAT; 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.