Editor's note: This updates with an emergency closure for portions of Big Cypress National Preserve due to the Mud Lake complex of wildfires.

A wildfire complex ignited by lightning strikes at Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida has spread to more than 4,000 acres, and prompted an emergency closure to some areas of the national preserve, officials said Wednesday.

The "Mud Lake Wildfire Complex" is located 30 miles east of Naples, Florida. Fire managers say the fire presents unique challenges for them due to the preserve's ecological makeup.

“Fire is an essential ecological process and natural part of the Big Cypress ecosystem. This ecosystem needs fire to thrive; however fire managers also have to contend with managing fire adjacent to interstate traffic, developed lands and private property, and rare or endangered species," said Bob Bobczak, the preserve's hydrologist. “Although some areas of the fire received spotty showers yesterday, the water table has dropped to an extremely low level in Big Cypress Preserve. Therefore, the entire ecosystem is relatively dry and susceptible to fire until the water table rises.” 

As temperatures rise, humidity declines, and winds increase, fire activity on the Mudd Lake Complex was expected to increase Wednesday afternoon.

“We could see some really big fire movement today," said Jon Wallace, a fire behavior analyst. 

Due to multiple wildfires burning in northern areas of the preserve, and the need for firefighters to use Preserve roads for access, officials ordered an emergency temporary closure. Lands affected by the closure include those administered by Big Cypress National Preserve south of Interstate 75, from mile marker 59 to mile marker 75 (Turner River Road), south to Upper Wagon Wheel Road. The closure also extends to lands administered by Big Cypress National Preserve north of Interstate 75, from mile marker 59 to mile marker 70, north to the Big Cypress Preserve Boundary.

"These areas will be closed in order to provide for public and firefighters safety in areas of high fire activity," a park release said. "These areas are closed to all recreational use including Off-Road Vehicles (ORV), hiking, and camping. This area includes portions of the Florida National Scenic Trail from mile 12, traveling north to the northern boundary of Big Cypress National Preserve." 

All other areas of the Preserve including visitor use areas and visitors centers along Tamiami Trail remain open at this time.

Fire suppression efforts have been limited due to the remote location of the wildfires and accessibility allows for safe access for firefighters to work on the fires, officials said.