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U.S. Wildland Fire Service fighting several fires in Everglades National Park; Shark Valley closed
By WGCU Staff
August 23, 2026 at 7:41 AM EDT
Several fires under attack by US Wildland Fire Service firefighters. (1154x774, AR: 1.4909560723514212)
U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters are on the scene of several fires in Everglades National Park, including the Chipmunk and Vulture fires.
The Chipmunk Fire was first reported Aug. 21 and is located about two miles southwest of Shark Valley. The lightning-caused fire is estimated to be approximately 15,508 acres and was 50% contained as of Sunday afternoon.
The Vulture Fire was first reported Aug. 22 and is located east of the Shark Valley Tram Road. Also caused by lightning, the fire was also caused by lightning, is approximately 347 acres and 80% contained.
To protect park resources and allow firefighters to continue suppression efforts, an emergency closure order is now in effect for the entire Shark Valley area. The closure includes the visitor center, trails, parking lots and Shark Valley Tram Road. Airboat concessions remain operational. Smoke is visible from Main Park Road and U.S. Highway 41, though no highway closure is expected at this time.
Aerial view of the Chipmunk Fire as it burns south of the Shark Valley Observation Tower in Everglades National Park. (640x480, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
Firefighters are currently working to contain the fires through direct suppression along the fire edges and indirect tactics that use natural barriers to limit the fires' spread. Engines, crews and aircraft are supporting operations. Additional resources will be added if needed.
Fire activity remains active on the north end and east side of the Chipmunk Fire, with fire backing to the south.
Fire activity on the Vulture Fire is occurring in the southeast corner, which has received some precipitation. Smoke from both fires is visible from Main Park Road and U.S. Highway 41, though no closures of U.S. Highway 41 are expected at this time. Airboat concessions are currently operational.
Other fires in that area include the 116 acre Lemur fire, discovered the afternoon of Aug. 21 and reported as natural, and a 6,222-acre wildfire being called the Movie Dome Incident that was discovered the evening of Aug. 19 and is 60 percent contained.
For updated fire information and park status, visit Everglades National Park's Alerts & Conditions page: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
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U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters are on the scene of several fires in Everglades National Park, including the Chipmunk and Vulture fires.
The Chipmunk Fire was first reported Aug. 21 and is located about two miles southwest of Shark Valley. The lightning-caused fire is estimated to be approximately 15,508 acres and was 50% contained as of Sunday afternoon.
The Vulture Fire was first reported Aug. 22 and is located east of the Shark Valley Tram Road. Also caused by lightning, the fire was also caused by lightning, is approximately 347 acres and 80% contained.
To protect park resources and allow firefighters to continue suppression efforts, an emergency closure order is now in effect for the entire Shark Valley area. The closure includes the visitor center, trails, parking lots and Shark Valley Tram Road. Airboat concessions remain operational. Smoke is visible from Main Park Road and U.S. Highway 41, though no highway closure is expected at this time.
Aerial view of the Chipmunk Fire as it burns south of the Shark Valley Observation Tower in Everglades National Park. (640x480, AR: 1.3333333333333333)
Firefighters are currently working to contain the fires through direct suppression along the fire edges and indirect tactics that use natural barriers to limit the fires' spread. Engines, crews and aircraft are supporting operations. Additional resources will be added if needed.
Fire activity remains active on the north end and east side of the Chipmunk Fire, with fire backing to the south.
Fire activity on the Vulture Fire is occurring in the southeast corner, which has received some precipitation. Smoke from both fires is visible from Main Park Road and U.S. Highway 41, though no closures of U.S. Highway 41 are expected at this time. Airboat concessions are currently operational.
Other fires in that area include the 116 acre Lemur fire, discovered the afternoon of Aug. 21 and reported as natural, and a 6,222-acre wildfire being called the Movie Dome Incident that was discovered the evening of Aug. 19 and is 60 percent contained.
For updated fire information and park status, visit Everglades National Park's Alerts & Conditions page: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.