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Contact: Big Cypress: Laurie Humphrey, 786-390-2575
Contact: Everglades: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023
Ochopee, FL – Fire behavior increased slightly today with rising temperatures, decreasing relative humidity, strong winds, and little chance of precipitation. Regardless, fire crews were able to stay ahead of the slow fire spread. Successful burnouts from previous days helped bring a containment of 10% to the fire. Total acreage, with more accurate mapping, is now approximately 25,834.
Extremely dry conditions threaten structures along Loop Road making full suppression the primary objective of this fire. The fire caused the loss of 1-private structure and 2-out buildings despite successful burnout operations and firefighters continued efforts to clear around as many structures as possible. Values threatened include local communities, Hwy US 41, natural and cultural resources, threatened and endangered species habitat, private and NPS infrastructure.
The fire is burning through a mix of tall grass, cypress, and hardwood litter. Tree island hammocks are still smoldering and smoking and have the potential to spread fire if it becomes windy and drier. Aerial resources will be used to directly limit fire spread if needed.
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 smell and see smoke along US Highway 41 near the Miccosukee Community area and the greater Miami area, 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 Aviation and 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); 1-type 3 engine; 4-type 6 engines; 1-FWAT; 1-MAST; 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 on Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park websites and social media.
Last updated: May 13, 2020