Wildfire in Big Cypress grows to 503 acres; visitors told to evacuate Bear Island

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — A wildfire continues to grow near Big Cypress National Preserve, forcing evacuations and threatening more than 100 homes as of Saturday.

According to wildfire.gov, the fire has grown to 503 acres. Big Cypress federal land officials said ground and aviation crews are still working on strategies to extinguish and contain the fire.

Wildfire.gov says 54 people are responding to the fire, including six fire engines and two helicopters. The website also says 110 homes are threatened at this time.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office told visitors to evacuate Bear Island and surrounding campgrounds yesterday afternoon. It is not confirmed how many people were evacuated or if any were injured.

Big Cypress federal land officials said the wildfire remains zero percent contained. Additional resources have been called in.