Ochopee, FL - The Moon Fish Wildfire continues to grow and is approximately 27,037 acres with no containment. Visitors and travelers should expect to smell and see smoke along US Highway 41 near the Miccosukee Community area and in the greater Miami area, depending on the winds and fuels in which the fire is burning.
There is potential for US Highway 41 to be closed tonight due to smoky conditions. We are working with Florida Highway Patrol to monitor conditions and to limit impacts. Please call 1-800-459-6861 for updated road conditions. Both east and west entrances of Loop Road are closed to visitor traffic due to smoky conditions, fire equipment, and firefighter safety. This road is open only to local traffic until further notice.
Our primary goal is to reduce the fire’s spread to critical resources and private structures in the area. Full suppression actions and burn out operations by aerial and ground resources continued throughout the day and will continue tonight.
Values threatened include local communities, Hwy US 41, natural and cultural resources. Personnel from USFS, USFWS, BLM and BIA are assisting Big Cypress and Everglades Fire and Aviation, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue assisting in structure protection.
Local residents are encouraged to be aware of the “READY-SET-GO" strategy during the fire season.
* Ready! - Firewise your home, remove debris and reduce fuel loads around homes up to 100 ft.
* Set! - Prepare your family and home for the possibility of having to evacuate. Don’t forget your pets.
* Go! - Take the evacuation steps necessary to give your family and home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.
The Moon Fish Wildfire was discovered on May 7, just south of Loop Road in the southeast corner of Big Cypress National Preserve and close to the Everglades National Park boundary. The source of the fire was human caused and the individual was cited.
Current resources assigned include: 3-Type 3 helicopters; 1-Type 1 helicopter; 2 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs); 1 Air Attack, 1 type 3 engine; 8 type 6 engine; 1 Type 2 IA crew.
Any questions/concerns, please contact James Sullivan, Fire Management Officer: (305) 546-9358 Mike O’Leary, Big Cypress Fire Duty Officer: (239) 719-0241 or Michael Gue, Everglades Fire Duty Officer: (305) 242-7850 / (305) 902-8183.
Further updates will be provided on Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park websites and social media.
Tags: wildfire response wildfire
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
