A 24,000-acre fire officials believe was human-caused that has neighborhoods near Big Cypress National Preserve on alert.
The flames caused Florida Highway Patrol troopers to monitor the scene between mile markers 65 and 85 along Interstate 75 in Collier County, putting nearby residents on notice.
More than one motorist stopped along State Road 29, exited their cars and snapped photos documenting the plume of smoke before they took off.
Erika Hoopes, spokesperson at the Big Cypress National Preserve, said the fire grew from about 15,000 acres to 24,000 acres as fire crews began their defensive operation.
Hoopes said there hasn’t been any property damage as of 2 p.m. and they didn’t expect any.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists the blaze as caused by a human. It did not provide additional information.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the blaze ignited Feb. 22 in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The flames caused the National Weather Service in Miami to put out an advisory the same day.
Big Cypress National Preserve cuts a swath of 729,000 acres across south Florida. It’s one of the largest preserves in the nation, home to more than 350 species of birds and 40 species of mammals including the black bear and Florida panther.
“All lanes remain open at this time; however, wildfire activity and smoke may significantly reduce visibility on the roadway,” Lt. Greg Bueno, spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol, wrote in a news release Wednesday morning. “Motorists traveling through the area are urged to use caution, reduce speed, and remain alert for changing conditions.”
Bueno urged drivers to reduce distractions; use wipers and defrosters; and avoid passing traffic.
The flames have placed communities in Big Cypress, Jerome, Copeland, Ochopee, Everglades City and along Tamiami Trail on watch.
Ana Torres-Vazquez, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami, told the Naples Daily News and The News-Press that dry conditions began Feb. 19 and are expected to last through May 31.
Andrea Jones, spokesperson for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, in a Feb. 25 emailed response told the Naples Daily News and The News-Press that the lead investigating agency will be the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. The group is comprised of wildland fire management across the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Office of Aviation Services, Office of Wildland Fire and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Department of the Interior on Jan. 12 announced the establishment of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. The agency did not immediately respond to questions about the charges the suspect would face.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Officials believe human caused fire at Big Cypress National Preserve
Reporting by Tomas Rodriguez, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
