National Fire grows to more than 35,000 acres; now 53% contained

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

The National Fire burning in Big Cypress National Preserve in eastern Collier County has grown to 35,034 acres and is 53% contained, according to fire officials.

The wildfire started Feb. 22 about 25 miles east of Naples, south of Interstate 75 and east of State Road 29. The cause remains under investigation.

On Monday, containment increased after rain moved through parts of the fire area. Officials said the rain helped following a week of dry conditions and shifting winds, giving crews an opportunity to strengthen containment lines.

After a morning reconnaissance flight, firefighters focused on extinguishing hotspots along the fire perimeter using water and hand tools. Aviation resources were limited to reconnaissance and mapping flights because of afternoon thunderstorms and reduced fire activity.

Firefighters will continue patrolling the full perimeter Tuesday, reinforcing containment lines and putting out hotspots.

Turner River Road remains open for access to the Bear Island area of Big Cypress National Preserve north of I-75.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, all trails east of Turner River Road will reopen to the public. Trails west of Turner River Road remain closed.

On Sunday, firefighters set small, controlled fires to burn leftover vegetation that the main wildfire hadn’t reached yet. This helps remove fuel so the fire can’t spread further.

At the same time, helicopters and planes dropped water on hotter areas of the fire north of Lower Wagonwheel Road, between SR-29 and Turner River Road, to help calm the flames.

Officials said there was no perimeter growth Sunday.

Fire activity was most active near the northern portion of Birdon Road, while crews continued patrolling and putting out isolated hotspots across the fire area.

On Saturday, fire managers carried out a strategic firing operation along SR-29 between Deep Lake, Lower Wagonwheel Road and the northern portion of Birdon Road. Crews used ground and aerial ignition to burn vegetation between containment lines and the main fire to help secure the perimeter.

Officials said most of the planned three-day operation was completed Saturday.

Authorities say the closure of SR-29 and the voluntary evacuation of Jerome have been lifted.

Smoke is expected to linger overnight and into Sunday morning, especially along SR-29 and parts of U.S. 41 near Carnestown. Drivers are urged to use caution.

The fire is being managed by the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team. Resources assigned include 15 engines, three water tenders, four helicopters and three single-engine air tankers, with 197 personnel on the incident.

Closures remain in parts of Big Cypress National Preserve, including Bear Island, Pink Jeep and Gator Head campgrounds. Burns Lake Campground has reopened.

Officials say dry conditions and drought continue to make the fire difficult to suppress. A burn ban remains in effect in Collier County.

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