Big Cypress National Preserve Wildfire Could Force Evacuations

By Compiled From N... - May 12th, 2023

Sandy wildfire map from Big Cypress National Preserve/NPS

A growing wildfire in Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida is threatening to force area residents to evacuate.

Phase Two of the Sandy Wildfire Evacuation Plan has been initiated, and residents within the areas of concern have been notified to prepare for potential evacuations. Residents with preexisting medical conditions have been encouraged to leave, the National Park Service said in a release.

Fire managers are monitoring fire behavior, initiating the final stage of the evacuation plan if fire continues to move towards homes. The final phase of evacuation could occur when fire threat is imminent at which point all residents will be advised to leave.

Crews on Wednesday continued to hold and improve control lines during the day, and conduct suppression burn out operations along the control lines at night. Burn out operations allow firefighters to determine when and how fire impacts the control lines. Conducting these operations in the evening and into early morning hours helps reduce the risk of spot fires across the line due to the higher relative humidity.

As the Sandy Fire continues to move south towards U.S. 41, smoke impacts along the roadways are expected. Travelers are advised to use caution and be aware of their surrounding environment.

Burn out operations on the Sandy wildfire on Wednesday/NPS

The Sandy Fire covers more than 11,000 acres and was 30 percent contained on Thursday. It was discovered on May 1 and is burning in pines, grass, palmetto and cypress. Resources threatened include NPS and private structures, natural and cultural resources.

Closures remain in effect west of 11 Mile Road, north of U.S. 41, east of Monument Trail, and south of Mud Lake, Little Deer, Oasis Trail and Lost Dog, including the Florida Trail from Oasis Visitor Center to I75 (MM63). This both ensures the safety of the public and allows firefighters to work without impediment.

Phase Two of the Sandy Wildfire Evacuation Plan has been initiated.

Phase One: Residents within evacuation zone are notified of potential fire impacts and advised to create defensible space around home if possible.
Phase Two: Residents within evacuation zone should be packed and ready to evacuate. Residents with preexisting health conditions will be encouraged to leave at this time.
Phase Three: Residents will be advised to leave as fire threat is imminent.

Big Cypress National Preserve

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