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Little change with Hilux fire in Big Cypress Preserve, containment rises to 65 percent

The Hilux Fire in the Big Cypress National preserve has reduced from 511 to 420 acres in the past few days. Persistent rains have helped temper the burn.
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CaughtTheFireBug/Nicolas Chavez
The Hilux Fire in the Big Cypress National preserve has reduced from 511 to 420 acres in the past few days. Persistent rains have helped temper the burn.

The fire burning for more than a week in a corner of the Big Cypress National Preserve remains at 420 acres and contained by firefighting efforts at 65 percent.

Crews continued reinforcing holding lines along the fire's edge.

Ground resources and drones will continue working together to identify and extinguish remaining pockets of heat.

As conditions improve, some efforts will begin to transition from mop-up to post-fire recovery. Crews will work to restore areas impacted by suppression activities, including smoothing ruts and closing off areas not intended for public access.

Hilux brush fire in Big Cypress National Preserve area.
Hilux brush fire in Big Cypress National Preserve area.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, fire officials said.

There are 84 firefighting personnel working the burn with four fire engines, three swamp buggies, three utility vehicles, two masticators, two Marsh Master amphibious vehicles, one type one full size helicopter and three type 2 light helicopters.

A closure remains in effect for all areas north of I-75, west of Bundschu Grade, south of Big Cypress boundary line, and east of SR29. This includes the Bear Island, Gator Head, and Pink Jeep Campgrounds. This closure is in place for the safety of both the public and fire personnel. Additional closure information is available in the Alerts section of the Big Cypress National Preserve website: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

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