OCHOPEE, FL - The Cypress Camp Trail Wildfire was discovered on April 4, 2023 approximately 1 mile north of I-75, near mile marker 68. The source of the fire remains under investigation.
As of 1800 today, the wildfire is approximately 6,692 acres with 10% containment. Fire behavior remains most active on the northern flank of the fire, with short fire runs seen in the pines and prairies, and fire backing and flanking through the cypress.
Fire managers have developed a full suppression strategy with ground and aviation crews utilizing direct and indirect attack, suppression burn out operations, and point protection. Crews continue to use natural and human made barriers as holding features. A February prescribed fire burn scar was crucial in stopping the spread of fire to the west and is now being used to hold the western perimeter of the fire.
Values threatened include Big Cypress National Preserve infrastructure including; campgrounds and hydro-stations, private in-holders, utilities, trails, private and cooperator lands, and two major transportation corridors, I-75 and SR-29.
Closures remain in effect for all areas west of Nobles Grade, north of I-75, east of SR-29, and south of the northern Big Cypress National Preserve boundary line.
Smoke impacts have been limited, however with the close proximity to major highways the most significant risk to the public is smoke on roadways. Travelers should use caution throughout the impacted area.
Tags: wildfire wildfire operations wildfire management big cypress national preserve
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service