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3w ago

Big Cypress Wildfire Grows to 25,000 Acres, Closes Stretch of I-75 as Smoke Spreads

Officials attribute the fast-moving blaze to human activity during an exceptional drought.

fl-pp-wild-fire-1-ng : Warning smoke signs along US 27 warns drivers of the approaching smoke covering parts of US27 in the area of Holiday Park in Davie, FL. Thursday afternoon. The large brush fire in western Broward County has grown to more than 800 acres and was threatening Everglades Holiday Park, which closed to the public late Thursday morning. The park at 21940 Griffin Road, just west of U.S. 27, closed at 11:30 a.m., park officials said. TAIMY ALVAREZ / SUN SENTINEL

Overview

  • The National Fire in Big Cypress has burned about 25,000 acres south of I-75 near State Road 29, with no injuries or structural damage reported.
  • Florida Highway Patrol shut I-75 between Exits 80 and 23 on Wednesday night because of dense smoke, with visibility concerns also reported on U.S. 41 and State Road 29.
  • Containment remains at 0% as aviation and ground crews conduct water drops and parts of the preserve close to support firefighting operations.
  • Smoke has reduced visibility and affected air quality across South Florida, reaching Miami-Dade, the Upper Keys, and Highlands County, prompting travel and health advisories.
  • Officials report a human cause; drought has left roughly 98% of Florida in drought, triggering Red Flag warnings and widespread county burn bans, with limited rain forecast from Thursday into Saturday offering only short-term relief.