© 2026 WGCU News
PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Big Cypress NP temporary closes area for prescribed fire activity

WGCU
Published February 25, 2024 at 7:02 PM EST
Area in the Cypress Trail wildfire here the wildfire tied into a prescribed burn scar. A fire official said the black from a few months can be seen under all the bright green new growth that won't burn. Without that burn the fire would still be chunking its way to the west.
Cypress Camp Trail Fire- Big Cypress National Preserve, Michael Gue, NPS
/
Special to WGCU
Area in the Cypress Trail wildfire here the wildfire tied into a prescribed burn scar. A fire official said the black from a few months can be seen under all the bright green new growth that won't burn. Without that burn the fire would still be chunking its way to the west.

Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary area closure for prescribed fire activity that will start Tuesday.

During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.

Prescribed fire is a carefully planned fire that uses fire science and specific environmental conditions to meet management goals for the preserve. A prescribed fire is one of Big Cypress’s best tools to help create a mosaic of diverse habitats, manage for our endangered species, and reduce the threat of a destructive wildfire.

Please refer to the map at left and area description below, temporary closures include the following areas:

  • All areas within treatment perimeter; CDU 32 NE, CDU 31, CDU 30, Lost Dog 1, CDU 27, CDU 35 W, CDU 39, Raccoon Point CDU, CDU 40 S, CDU 40 N, CDU 40, CDU 41 W, CDU 41, Florida National Scenic Trail - South of 13 Mile Camp and North of 10 Mile Camp (see map), CDU 25, CDU 28, CDU 21

The following adjacent areas will remain open:

  • Private lands in the designated area; residents should use caution and notify the Fire Duty Officer of entry by calling 561-923-5228. 

Fire operations are expected to run 3-5 days with conditions safe for reentry about 2-4 days after the burns are complete.

Big Cypress Fire and Aviation will make a determination after ignitions are complete on when to lift the closure.

The public will be advised of the implementation and subsequent termination of this closure by web alert, and by the posting of signs in the appropriate areas.

If a longer closure is required, due to additional fire activity, an additional press release will be issued immediately.

WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
Tags
Environment WGCU NewsBig Cypress National PreservePrescribed Fire
Trusted by over 30,000 local subscribers

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning

Quick briefs when you are busy, deeper explainers when it matters, delivered early morning and curated by WGCU editors.

  • Environment
  • Local politics
  • Health
  • And more

Free and local. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

More from WGCU
  • Environment
    Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Introduction
    Dr. Jerry Jackson
    The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker nests well to the north of us, but winters in Florida, other Gulf states, and the Caribbean. Older males tend to winter farther north, while females and first-year birds winter farther south. Males must return early to establish nesting territories and by staying farther north in winter, they are better able to deal with late cold weather sometimes encountered. Females return to breeding areas about a week later than males.Male Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers can be identified by their red throat. Females and fledgling males have a white throat; young males begin to show red throat feathers early in their second year. Young sapsuckers have dark streaks on the side of the breast and belly; adults show a “cleaner” yellowish belly and distinct black bib on the breast.
  • LaBelle High School Cowboy Marching Band.
    Human Interest
    Upcoming 'Denim & Diamonds' Swamp Cabbage event marred by rifts on social media
    Eileen Kelley
    The Labelle High School Cowboy Marching Band is refusing to participate over requested entry fee; Now the LaBelle Middle School and the VFW are also pulling out in solidarity with the high school band.
  • TheatreZone Poster for 'Gutenberg the Musical'
    Arts & Culture
    'Gutenberg' premise so preposterous it will keep you in stitches
    Tom Hall
    "Gutenberg the Musical" is in its final weekend of performances at TheatreZone in Naples. The premise is so preposterous it will keep you in stitches.