Wildfires

A wildfire that has grown to nearly 700 acres on the Big Cypress National Preserve has fire crews focusing on saving threatened multiple private structures.

The Sandy Wildfire is currently estimated to be about 50 acres, burning in a mixture of grass, brush and pine. South Florida Fire & Aviation resources are on scene, and additional resources have been ordered.

Some of the parched woods that were ready to burn in Southwest Florida last month did that,. Other tinder-dry woody underbrush was soaked by rains in mid-April.

Effective Wednesday, Cape Coral rescinded a temporary burn ban issued on March 10

Disturbed weather developing in the Gulf of Mexico had meteorologists wondering if it would become the first tropical system there in April, one that might ease Southwest Florida's drought

Fire crews were called to a section on the interstate when a wildfire produced flames and smoke near the Bonita Beach Road exit.

The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center reported Thursday that 55% of Florida is in the severe to extreme drought category, with most of the rest of the state listed as “abnormally dry.” The driest conditions are in southwest Florida, the same region hammered by Hurricane Ian in September.

The Cypress Camp Trail Fire, which started on April 4, 2023, is now 9,749 acres and 81% contained. Crews will continue to hold and improve the perimeter of the fire over the next several days, or until precipitation ensures the fire is secure.

The Cypress Camp Trail wildfire is currently 7,600 acres with 10% containment and the source of the fire remains under investigation.

The National Interagency Fire Center reported the Big Cypress National Preserve reported Thursday that the fire had grown by more than 50 percent.