Fast-moving brush fire near US-41 in Everglades National Park closes roads, businesses

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. —

Crews are battling a fast-moving brush fire that was reported Monday evening in the northeastern corner of Everglades National Park off US-41 in Miami-Dade County.

According to the National Park Service, the Highway 41 Fire is south of US-41 and east of Shark Valley. The fire sits at 2,500 acres as of mid-day Tuesday.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service responded to the fire with ground and aviation resources, including extinguishment and confinement to limit its spread, NPS said. The fire is burning in sawgrass with the fire moving south and west, so crews will focus on containing it.

Everglades National Park has closed the area between the L-67 Canal on the west and L-31 Canal on the east from US-41 south to miles north of Mahogany Hammock, the National Park Service said. In addition, the closure includes all parking lots, facilities and waterways within the area.

Due to the dry weather and the fire, businesses like Coopertown Airboats, Safari Park and Gator Park will be closed as well.

Smoke from the fire may impact US-41, and there may be temporary road closures if conditions worsen, according to the National Park Service.

NPS recommends that anyone driving through the area to do the following:

• Exercise caution.
• Reduce speed and use low-beam headlights in smoky conditions.
• Allow extra travel time.
• Be alert for emergency personnel and equipment operating along roadways.
• Monitor local traffic updates and emergency alerts.

The National Park Service also said residents in the area should follow the Ready, Set, Go model for evacuation status:

• Ready – Be aware of wildfire in the area, and have an action plan in place.
• Set – Stay informed, monitor local conditions via alerts and media. Prepare a go bag and be ready to evacuate if conditions deteriorate.
• Go – Follow directions, secure your home and evacuate early.

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