Massive 26,000-acre fire rages in Big Cypress, no containment yet

BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE, Fla. - The massive fire in Big Cypress National Preserve is still blazing, covering nearly 26,000 acres with no containment in sight.

Firefighters are using defensive tactics to manage the flames, which grew by almost 1,000 acres today.

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The dry conditions and lack of humidity are making it tough for officials to control the fire. Drivers along Alligator Alley have noticed the impact, with one saying, "The ponds, and even in our area, go down. It seems like daily we can see them, you know, getting less and less, and we are doing a lot of praying for rain, but it doesn't seem to be helping much do."

Another driver shared their experience, saying, "It was very intense, very, very intense. So then we just kept going. It got a little lighter. So here we are at this point, and the smoke kind of faded like we didn't see so much the last mile, mile or two, I."

Officials are working to protect structures on both private and federal land near the fire.

The Florida Highway Patrol is keeping an eye on visibility along Alligator Alley and is prepared to close the road if necessary.

For now, the road remains open, but smoke is expected to linger through the weekend.