U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters are on the scene of several fires in Everglades National Park, including the Chipmunk and Vulture fires.
The Chipmunk Fire was first reported Aug. 21 and is located about two miles southwest of Shark Valley. The lightning-caused fire is estimated to be approximately 9,232 acres and is 30% contained.
The Vulture Fire was first reported Aug. 22 and is located east of the Shark Valley Tram Road. Also caused by lightning, the fire is approximately 286 acres and 60% contained.
To protect park resources and allow firefighters to continue suppression efforts, an emergency closure order is now in effect for the entire Shark Valley area. The closure includes all administrative and public facilities, including the visitor center, trails, parking lots and Shark Valley Tram Road.
Firefighters are currently working to contain the fires through direct suppression along the fire edges and indirect tactics that use natural barriers to limit the fires' spread. Engines, crews and aircraft are supporting operations. Additional resources will be added if needed.
Fire activity remains active on the north end and east side of the Chipmunk Fire, with fire backing to the south.
Fire activity on the Vulture Fire is occurring in the southeast corner, which has received some precipitation. Smoke from both fires is visible from Main Park Road and U.S. Highway 41, though no closures of U.S. Highway 41 are expected at this time. Airboat concessions are currently operational.
Other fires in that area include the 116 acre Lemur fire, discovered the afternoon of Aug. 21 and reported as natural, and a 6,222-acre wildfire being called the Movie Dome Incident that was discovered the evening of Aug. 19 and is 60 percent contained.
For updated fire information and park status, visit Everglades National Park's Alerts & Conditions page: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
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.
