A wildfire in the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County has grown to 3,000 acres and forced the closure of multiple trails.
Preserve officials were notified of a wildfire in the northern portion of the preserve, approximately one mile north of I-75 around mile marker 68 on Tuesday.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported they were monitoring the status of fire and visibility. As of 9 p.m. Wednesday all lanes of I-75 remained open.
The Cypress Trail Wildfire is currently estimated to be more than 1200 acres in size, burning in a mixture of grass, brush and pine. A report from the National Interagency Fire Center late Wednesday reported the fire had grown 200 percent and was now around 3,000 acres.
South Florida fire and aviation resources are on scene, and additional resources have been ordered.
Preserve officials issued a temporary trail closure to promote safety during the current wildfire activity effective Wednesday. During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.
Temporary closures include the following areas:
Closures Include: All trails, campgrounds and roadways
- West of Nobles Grade
- North of I75
- East of Highway 29
- South of Northern Preserve Boundary
Campgrounds Closures:
- Bear Island Campground
- Pink Jeep Campground
- Gator Head Campground
- Trail Closures Include:
- Florida Trail North of MM63 I75 to Seminole Boundary
- All ORV Trails in Bear Island Unit
The following adjacent areas will remain open: Private lands in the designated area; residents should use caution and notify the Fire Duty Officer of entry by calling 561-923-5228.
The FHP cautioned that wildfires, smoke, fog and heavy rain can all lower visibility on the roads. It is important for motorist to drive as safely as possible in these conditions.
- DRIVE WITH LIGHTS on low beam. High beams will only be reflected off the fog and impair visibility even more. Your lights help other drivers see your vehicle, so be sure they all work. Keep your windshield and headlights clean, to reduce the glare and increase visibility.
- SLOW DOWN – and watch your speedometer before you enter a patch of fog.
- WATCH OUT for slow-moving and parked vehicles. Open you window a little and listen for traffic you cannot see.
- REDUCE THE DISTRACTIONS in your vehicle. Turn off the radio and cell phone. Your full attention is required.
- USE WIPERS AND DEFROSTERS liberally for maximum visibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if poor visibility is due to fog or moisture on the windshield.
- USE THE RIGHT EDGE of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
- BE PATIENT avoid passing and/or changing lanes.
- SIGNAL TURNS well in advance and brake early as you approach a stop.
- DO NOT STOP on a freeway or heavily traveled road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision. If you must pull off the road, signal, then carefully pull off as far as possible and turn your hazard lights on.
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