A fast-moving brush fire flared up Friday evening on Bear Island inside Big Cypress National Preserve, sending campers and visitors scrambling to clear out as officials ordered an evacuation. Flames pushed through dry vegetation near campground roads, and smoke was visible from nearby stretches of pavement while firefighters moved in to size up and contain the blaze. Local reporting put the burn area at roughly 150 acres.
In a Facebook post, the Collier County Sheriff's Office urged anyone on Bear Island at Big Cypress National Preserve to evacuate "as soon as possible," according to Collier County Sheriff's Office. Coverage from Gulf Coast News reported the fire at about 150 acres and noted flames near State Road 29 north of U.S. 41. Reporters on scene said crews were actively responding while emergency personnel told drivers and visitors to steer clear so suppression work could continue.
Where the fire is burning
Bear Island is located within the preserve's Bear Island unit, an area that had already been included in earlier park closures while crews battled a larger wildfire this season. The National Park Service has warned that smoke from fires in Big Cypress can reach key travel corridors such as I-75 (Alligator Alley), State Road 29 and U.S. 41 and that drivers could encounter temporary road closures or reduced visibility, according to Big Cypress National Preserve. Park managers have previously shut down sections of the preserve for public safety and continue to post alerts for anyone planning a visit.
Background: Big Cypress fire season
The Bear Island flare-up follows a weeks-long wildfire in late February that burned into the tens of thousands of acres inside Big Cypress, sending thick smoke across the region and forcing temporary closures of some roads and campgrounds, according to AP News. Local coverage captured lingering hot spots, smoke impacts and firefighting operations as crews cut containment lines and deployed both aircraft and ground units to protect infrastructure, per Local 10. Officials cited drought conditions and frost-damaged fuels as ingredients that helped drive the more active fire behavior earlier in the season.
Safety and contacts
Authorities advised people in the area to follow evacuation instructions and stay off closed park roads. The Collier County Sheriff's Office listed 239-252-9300 as a contact number for updates. For official park information, callers can reach Big Cypress National Preserve at 239-695-2000 or check the park's web alerts for closure details and travel guidance. Both agencies emphasized that entering closed areas puts the public and firefighting crews at risk and asked visitors to respect all posted restrictions.
The situation remained fluid Friday evening, with local outlets reporting crews on scene. Gulf Coast News reported it had contacted local fire agencies seeking additional information. Officials urged people to monitor park alerts and local emergency channels for the latest word before heading back toward Bear Island.
