by Denise Wauters
Many of you have been asking about the wildfire in Big Cypress National Preserve, so we’ve pulled together what we know so far and will keep this page updated as things change.
Timeline of Events
Last Update – March 1, 2026
February 22
Two fires were discovered within Big Cypress National Preserve. Suppression efforts began immediately.
February 23
Area closures were issued inside the preserve.
February 24–25
The fire expanded rapidly under ongoing drought conditions and frost-killed vegetation, creating heavy fuel loads across the landscape.
12:15 a.m., February 26
FDOT District 1 reported I-75 closed between Exit 80 (SR-29) and Exit 23 (US-27) due to low visibility from heavy smoke.
Later February 26
Traffic lanes reopened. The fire reached 25,780 acres and remained 0% contained. Management was transferred to the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team.
February 27 (Evening Update)
The fire grew to 30,225 acres and remained 0% contained. Personnel increased to 154. Officials announced planned strategic firing operations along SR-29 for February 28.
February 28 (Evening Update)
The fire increased to 35,034 acres and reached 27% containment by Saturday evening. Personnel assigned increased to 197. Strategic firing operations were carried out along SR-29 between Deep Lake and Janes Scenic Drive to strengthen containment lines. SR-29 was closed between I-75 and US-41 during operations, and a voluntary evacuation of Jerome was implemented.
March 1 (Morning Update)
SR-29 is expected to reopen at 11:00 a.m. The voluntary evacuation of Jerome has been lifted. Smoke impacts remain possible overnight and early morning along SR-29 and portions of US-41. A burn ban remains in effect for Collier County.
Current Fire Status
- Size: 35,034 acres
- Containment: 27%
- Start Date: February 22
- Cause: Under investigation
- Personnel: 197
- Resources Assigned: 15 engines, 3 water tenders, 4 helicopters, 3 Single Engine Airtankers
- Managing Agency: Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team
Environmental conditions continue to contribute to fire behavior. We are in a Stage 3 drought, rainfall has been limited, and frost earlier this season left behind dry vegetation now acting as fuel. A La Niña pattern and recent cold fronts with north winds are also contributing. Elevated fire weather conditions are expected to continue.
Preserve Closures
The National Park Service has implemented a closure for portions of the preserve south of I-75 and east of SR-29. Recreational use is prohibited inside the designated perimeter.
Closed campgrounds include:
- Bear Island Campground
- Pink Jeep Campground
- Gator Head Campground
Burns Lake Campground has reopened for reservations and day use following a reduction in the closure boundary.
Visitors should check the Alerts section of the Big Cypress website before planning trips.
Aircraft & Drone Restrictions
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area. The public is asked not to fly drones near the fire. Unauthorized flights can halt aerial firefighting operations and interfere with suppression efforts.
Road Conditions & Smoke
Smoke has impacted I-75 (Alligator Alley), SR-29, and US-41, with the highest risk for low visibility occurring overnight and in the early morning hours when winds calm and smoke settles. Drivers traveling through the area are advised to reduce speed, allow extra travel time, and monitor conditions through FL511 before heading out. Temporary closures remain possible if visibility drops.
When smoke and moisture settle together overnight, visibility can drop quickly, so use extra caution if you’re traveling early.
What About Local Events?
At this point, we have not been notified of any cancellations outside of the preserve’s closure zone, and events in Everglades City and nearby communities are continuing as planned.
If organizers need to share changes, please contact us at info@visitevergladescity.com, and we’ll post updates as soon as we receive them.
We’ll continue updating this page as we learn more. Check back here and follow us on Facebook. for the latest updates. on
