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Anhinga Wildfire In Big Cypress National Preserve Over 3,000 Acres

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Published Date

March 12, 2018

Anhinga Fire closure map at Big Cypress National Preserve/NPS

Winter is the slow season for wildfires in the West, but in the Southeast it's the prime season. At Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, the Anhinga Fire has covered more than 3,000 acres and was expected to grow under dry conditions.

With the fire just 10 percent contained Sunday, park officials issued public closures for the Pink Jeep, Gator Head, and Bear Island campgrounds. The closure includes the following roads and trails: Bear Island Grade Trail, Perocchi Grade Trail, and Bear Island Campground Road. During the closure, all recreational use including hiking, hunting, and camping are prohibited in the designated areas.

Fire crews were attacking the 3,019-acre wildfire from the air using helicopters and single engine air tankers. The cause of the fire had not been determined.

The fire was burning in palmetto, pineland, and cabbage palm habitat. Firefighters were working to limit the growth of the fire to south of Bear Island grade, west of Turner River Road and Perocchi Grade, north of I-75 and east of SR29.  

Private lands in the designated area will remain open. Residents should use extreme caution and notify the Fire Duty Officer of entry by calling (239) 719-0241.

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