1,400-acre wildfire reported near Big Cypress Preserve, 50% contained

HENDRY COUNTY, Fla.—A wildfire has grown to roughly 1,400 acres in southwestern Hendry County near the Big Cypress Preserve.

The WINK Weather Authority team says WINK Live Doppler 3X radar detected a large plume of smoke on Tuesday afternoon. While winds are light out of the southeast, some of that smoke could drift toward inland areas of Collier County.

As of 9:10 p.m., the Florida Forest Service reports the fire is 50 percent contained. Crews are also monitoring a second, smaller wildfire in north-central Hendry County, where about 15 acres are burning.

Despite the active fires, the Air Quality Index currently shows good air quality across all of Southwest Florida.

However, dry weather continues to elevate wildfire risk throughout the region. Rain is not expected in the coming days, and low humidity levels are likely to persist.

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