NOT a good time to plan any wheeling anyplace near Big Cypress. I believe Bear Island is Closed.


Big Cypress Deep Fire Morning Update 4/25/09
For Immediate Release

The Deep Fire continued to burn overnight in the Big Cypress National Preserve, affecting an estimated 12,500 acres. The fire is currently burning in a mixture of prairie and forest habitats, and no structures or facilities have been impacted. At present, the fire remains 20% contained. An interagency team consisting of federal, state and municipal personnel will continue efforts today to safely contain the fire within the preserve and minimize smoke impacts to travel corridors and nearby local communities.

The Florida Highway Patrol is expected to open Interstate 75 to vehicular traffic at or before 12:00 noon, pending favorable conditions. The road is expected to remain open until 7:00 p.m., when anticipated weather effects will make driving conditions hazardous and again require an overnight closure of the roadway. State Road 29 is expected to remain closed to access as fire operations continue. The closures are necessary to ensure the safety of both motorists and fire personnel.

In light of predicted weather patterns, communities along the southwest coast may continue to experience heavy smoke and ash. Residents should be aware, however, that the fire is not expected to approach or threaten nearby urban areas.
Past and current fire updates can be found online at:
http://www.nps.gov/bicy/naturescience/fire...ed-closures.htm

Additional information can be obtained from the incident Public Information Officer at 239-340-0123.

Thanks for the update and I can confirm that.

I was informed today by the ranger at Oasis Visitor Center that Bear Island is currently closed. There is also a barricade setup at the bridge at Wagon Wheel and Turner River Road, stating that B.I. is closed.

Check the NPS website for updates, they're keeping it pretty well updated. NPS.gov

Saturday PM Update


Big Cypress Fire Activity
Deep Fire 4/25 Evening Update

The total estimated extent of the area effected by the fire is estimated at
16,000 acres. Containment remains at an estimated 20%. Crews continue to
deal with strong east winds and spot fires. Florida Highway Patrol did open
Interstate 75 as of around 12 noon today and closed the road once again at
7:00 p.m. in anticipation of cooler temperatures and decreasing visibility.
FHP anticipates that if conditions continue that the roadway may be open
once again tomorrow. Additional firefighting resources are due to arrive
over the next few days to aid with spotting fires and containment efforts.

Bob DeGross
Big Cypress National Preserve
Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141
239-695-1107 office; 239-695-2259 fax

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American
people so that all may experience our heritage.
Experience Your America!

<<pic28084.jpg>>

Sunday 4-26 Update

From BCNP

As of today the Deep Fire has burned approximately 15,100 acres within Big Cypress National Preserve. Burnout operations were successful on Saturday and for the first day of the incident there were no significant spot fires. The National Park Service transferred day-to-day management of the fire to the Southern Area Interagency Management Blue Team today. Florida Highway Patrol estimates they will reopen Interstate75 at or around 9:00 a.m. today and if fire conditions allow it will remain open through 7:00 p.m. State Road 29 is closed. This pattern of roadway closures is expected as long as conditions continue.



additional information attached



For further information contact 239-340-0123

Sunday Night Update:

Deep Fire Update
Contact info: 239-340-0123
bigcypress@gmail.com
www.inciweb.org

Weather today allowed fire crews to conduct burnout operations, as they continue to suppress the Deep Fire. The burnout put up a considerable amount of smoke, but was a very successful suppression tactic as crews work to keep the fire east of State Highway 29. The Deep Fire has burned approximately 22,000 acres since April 22nd and is 20% contained. The Southern Area Incident Management Blue Team began managing the fire this morning.


Tomorrow
Weather forecast calls for continued east-southeast winds with predicted high temperature of 89 degrees. This combined with 40% relative humidity means conditions will again be favorable for burnout operations. These could impact I-75, resulting in closure during the peak fire activity. The fire management team is working in concert with Florida Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation to keep the public informed as expeditiously as possible. Fire objectives are to provide for public and firefighter safety, as well as the protection of park resources and private property within the fire area.

The Role of Fire & Management
Fire is a natural and necessary component of the habitats of the Big Cypress region. Pinelands and freshwater prairies require periodic fires to control the spread of shrubs and trees. Occasional burns help provide open habitat for the proliferation of herbaceous plants and the wildlife that depend on them. Big Cypress National Preserve serves as important habitat for a variety of wildlife. These floral and faunal species have evolved in coexistence with wildlife in the ecosystem.

The fire management team of Big Cypress National Preserve actively utilizes fire to maintain the integrity of several local ecosystems, reduce fuel loads in susceptible areas, and create buffers to hamper wildfires.



Area and Road Closures

In the interest of safety, Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. These are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and fire personnel. All areas in the Bear Island Unit, and all areas north of Fire Prairie Trail, including the trail itself, in the Deep Lake Unit are closed. State Road 29, along the western border of the preserve, remains closed. Florida Highway Patrol anticipates opening I-75 during daylight hours (9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.) until fire conditions change—subject to change based upon fire activity and smoke.

Monday AM Update:

Update
At present, the Deep Fire has burned approximately 22,000 acres within Big Cypress National Preserve. Containment estimates remain at 20%.
Burnout operations were successful on Sunday with no significant spotting outside the preserve. The National Park Service transferred day-to-day management of the fire to the Southern Area Interagency Management Blue Team on Sunday. Additional crews have been ordered to aid in the effort and are expected to arrive later today. Providing for the safety of the public remains the highest priority, and every effort is being made to minimize impacts from smoke and ash to nearby communities.

Today
Weather forecasts call for dry conditions, continued east winds, and high temperatures. These conditions remain conducive for high fire activity. Crews will continue burnout operations as a suppression strategy, while monitoring for and extinguishing spot fires. Because these operations are expected to impact visibility, both Interstate 75 will remain closed until at least mid-day on Tuesday, and will reopen pending more favorable conditions. State Road 29 will remain closed until further notice.


The Role of Fire & Management
Fire is a natural and necessary component of the habitats of the Big Cypress region. Pinelands and freshwater prairies require periodic fires to control the spread of shrubs and trees. Occasional burns help provide open habitat for the proliferation of herbaceous plants and the wildlife that depend on them. Big Cypress National Preserve serves as important habitat for a variety of wildlife. These floral and faunal species have evolved in coexistence with wildlife in the ecosystem.
The fire management team of Big Cypress National Preserve actively utilizes fire to maintain the integrity of several local ecosystems, reduce fuel loads in susceptible areas, and create buffers to hamper wildfires.


Area and Road Closures
In the interest of safety, Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. These are necessary to ensure the safety of both visitors and fire personnel. Currently, all areas in the Bear Island Unit, and all areas north of Fire Prairie Trail, including the trail itself, in the Deep Lake Unit are closed. In the interest of both public and employee safety, Interstate will remain closed in the interest of motorist and employee safety and reopen once more favorable conditions return. State Road 29 will remain closed until further notice.

--
Deep Fire Information
239-340-0123
www.inciweb.org
bigcypressfire@gmail.com

Tuesday April 28th AM Update:

Weather today allowed fire crews to conduct burnout operations, as they continue to suppress the Deep Fire. The burnout put up a considerable amount of smoke, but was a very successful suppression tactic as crews work to prevent additional spread to the east. The Deep Fire has burned approximately 24,000 acres since April 22nd and is 30% contained. The Southern Area Incident Management Blue Team assumed management of this fire on April 26, 2009.

Tomorrow

Weather forecast calls for continued east-southeast winds with predicted high temperature around 90 degrees. Crews will work Tuesday to secure all fire lines and mop up the interior. The fire management team is working in concert with Florida Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation to reopen the

I-75 corridor as soon as it is safe to do so. On Tuesday, I-75 will open once visibility improves. Fire objectives are to provide for public and firefighter safety, as well as the protection of park resources and private property within the fire area.



Area and Road Closures

In the interest of safety, Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. These are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and fire personnel. All areas in the Bear Island Unit, and all areas north of Fire Prairie Trail, including the trail itself, in the Deep Lake Unit are closed. State Road 29, along the western border of the preserve, remains closed. Florida Highway Patrol anticipates opening I-75 mid-morning—subject to change based upon fire activity and smoke.



The Role of Fire & Management

Fire is a natural and necessary component of the habitats of the Big Cypress region. Pinelands and freshwater prairies require periodic fires to control the spread of shrubs and trees. Occasional burns help provide open habitat for the proliferation of herbaceous plants and the wildlife that depend on them. Big Cypress National Preserve serves as important habitat for a variety of wildlife. These floral and faunal species have evolved in coexistence with wildlife in the ecosystem. The fire management team of Big Cypress National Preserve actively utilizes fire to maintain the integrity of several local ecosystems, reduce fuel loads in susceptible areas, and create buffers to hamper wildfires.

--
Deep Fire Information
239-340-0123
www.inciweb.org
bigcypressfire@gmail.com

Tuesday 4-28 PM Update
Deep Fire Evening Update

Firefighters worked to hold the burnouts that were conducted yesterday and continued to mop up the hot spots near the containment lines. The fire is in good shape with few areas of major concern, based on predicted weather. However firefighters must continue to make the perimeter secure and work toward control of this fire. Today’s activities concentrated on the southeast section of the fire where smoke columns were visible. All these were well inside the containment lines. The fire size is 27,000 acres and is 60% contained.

Tomorrow
Weather forecast calls for persistent east-southeast winds with predicted high temperature around 90 degrees. Crews will continue work Wednesday to secure all fire lines and mop up the interior. A burnout will be conducted on the north end of the fire to secure line south of Bear Island Grade. The incident management team has recommended that I-75 be opened at 8:00 a.m. and remain open unless unexpected smoke conditions require additional short term closures. SH 29 will open tomorrow morning from US 41 to I-75 with warning signs and a reduced speed limit. It will remain closed north of I-75 to Oil Well Road.

Area and Road Closures

In the interest of safety, Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. These are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and fire personnel. All areas in the Bear Island Unit, and all areas north of Fire Prairie Trail, including the trail itself, in the Deep Lake Unit are closed. I-75 and SH 29 south of I-75 to US 41 will open at 8:00 AM Wednesday with a reduced speed limit. Both these highways will remain open unless smoke conditions force closure again, however all motorists are encouraged to exercise caution when driving through these areas. SH 29 will remain closed north of I-75 to Oil Well Road.



**Note: A perimeter map and printable pdf of this release is included as an attachment.**


--
Deep Fire Information
239-340-0123
www.inciweb.org
bigcypressfire@gmail.com
Blue Team website http://soblue1.imtcenter.net/main/HomeTemp...spx?LinkID=home

Wednesday PM Update:

Deep Fire Evening Update 8:00 p.m.
April 29, 2009

Firefighters burned out line on the northeast section of the fire along Bear Island Grade. An unexpected wind shift prevented the completion of this burn. One small spot fire was discovered and suppressed west of SH 29 near the north end of the fire. Tentative plans to open SH 29 north of the interstate were pushed back a day, due to the unpredicted localized southeast winds. Those plans will be reevaluated Thursday after the burnout is completed.

Tomorrow

Weather forecast calls for generally easterly winds with predicted high temperature around 90 degrees. Crews will continue work to secure all fire lines, mop up the interior and watch for spot fires. The burnout that was started Wednesday on to secure line south of Bear Island Grade will continue Thursday. Interstate 75 and SH 29 (south of I-75) remain open with no plans for future closures due to the Deep Fire. State Highway 29 north of I-75 will be reevaluated following Thursdays burnout operation. It will be opened as quickly as fire suppression and smoke conditions allow safe traffic flow.

Area and Road Closures

In the interest of safety, Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. These are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and fire personnel. All areas in the Bear Island Unit, and all areas north of Fire Prairie Trail, including the trail itself, in the Deep Lake Unit are closed. I-75 and SH 29 south of I-75 to US 41 opened this morning at 8:00 AM with a reduced speed limit. I-75 will remain open unless smoke conditions force closure again, however all motorists are encouraged to exercise caution when driving through these areas. We regret that SH 29 will remain closed north of I-75 to Oil Well Road. This is due to un-predicted localized winds that prevented the completion of the planned burnout today.

--
Deep Fire Information
239-340-0123
www.inciweb.org
bigcypressfire@gmail.com

Thursday PM Update: It's burning out, finally.
Just in time for a weekend run in the ash?

Deep Fire Update

Fire Size: 30,005

Containment: 85%

Firefighters resumed burning the northeast section of the fire along Bear Island Grade today. Winds continued to plague this operation, forcing firefighters to stop burning during the middle of the day. Late in the afternoon they were able to resume and are expected to complete the operation by the end of shift today. State Highway 29 north of I-75 will remain closed tonight but will open Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. contingent upon smoke conditions. Law enforcement officers will patrol the road heavily to ensure that motorists maintain a safe speed and to assist fire equipment operating in the area.

Tomorrow
Weather forecast calls for generally easterly winds with predicted high temperature around 90 degrees. Crews will continue work to secure all fire lines, mop up the interior and watch for spot fires. The Southern Blue Team will begin work to transition management of the fire to a local Incident Management Team. The transition of command will take place on Saturday May 2, 2009 at 6:00 pm with the Blue Team demobilizing most of the firefighters by Saturday night.

What Happens After The Fire?

The fire-adaptive plant communities of the Big Cypress Swamp recover rapidly from the effects of a wild or prescribed fire. The recovery process begins immediately after the fire passes and takes place quickly in this warm and wet sub-tropical climate.
The swamp is actually rejuvenated by fire which has been a vital part of this ecosystem for many thousands of years. Many plants and animals rely on the occurrence of periodic fire to exist. When a wild or prescribed fire occurs, the animals in the path of the fire walk, run, burrow, or fly to a safe area. After the fire has passed the animals return and feed on new plant growth and food exposed by the fire. The above ground plant parts quickly sprout from their root systems and seeds in the soil germinate due to nutrients from the burn and warmth from the sun.

Area and Road Closures

I-75 and SH 29 south of I-75 to US 41 remain open. SH 29 will open north of I-75 to Oil Well Road at 7:00 am Friday morning, May 1 subject to smoke conditions. Motorists should drive defensively as fire equipment will be entering and exiting the highways at unexpected locations. Law enforcement will patrol SH 29 heavily to help prevent accidents and assist motorists and fire personnel. In the interest of safety, Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. These are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and fire personnel. All areas in the Bear Island Unit, and all areas north of Fire Prairie Trail, including the trail itself, in the Deep Lake Unit are closed.




--
Deep Fire Information
239-340-0123
www.inciweb.org
bigcypressfire@gmail.com

I guess Bear Island is going to look very different next time we go... I wonder if they'll shut it down to ORV for a while until it gets going again?

Looks like it's winding down:

NOTE: THERE WILL NOT BE AN AFTERNOON UPDATE TODAY. TOMORROWS MORNING UPDATE WILL BE THE LAST UPDATE POSTED BY THE SOUTHERN BLUE TEAM.

May 1 Update
30,005 acres
85% contained
Firefighters completed burning the northeast section of the fire along Bear Island Grade last night. Winds became favorable in the mid-afternoon allowing the firefighters to finish this important section of the line. State Highway 29 was opened to general traffic this morning from I-75 north to Oil Well Road. Law enforcement officers will patrol the road heavily to ensure that motorists maintain a safe speed and to assist fire equipment operating in the area. There will be no afternoon update today. The morning update tomorrow will be the last produced by the Southern Blue Team for this fire.

TODAY
Weather forecast calls for generally easterly winds with predicted high temperature around 90 degrees. Crews will continue work to secure all fire lines, mop up the interior and watch for spot fires. The Southern Blue Team will begin work to transition management of the fire to a local Incident Management Team. The transition of command will take place on Saturday May 2, 2009 at 6:00 pm with the Blue Team demobilizing most of the firefighters by Saturday night.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FIRE
The fire-adaptive plant communities of the Big Cypress Swamp recover rapidly from the effects of a wild or prescribed fire. The recovery process begins immediately after the fire passes and takes place quickly in this warm and wet sub-tropical climate.
The swamp is actually rejuvenated by fire which has been a vital part of this ecosystem for many thousands of years. Many plants and animals rely on the occurrence of periodic fire to exist. When a wild or prescribed fire occurs, the animals in the path of the fire walk, run, burrow, or fly to a safe area. After the fire has passed the animals return and feed on new plant growth and food exposed by the fire. The above ground plant parts quickly sprout from their root systems and seeds in the soil germinate due to nutrients from the burn and warmth from the sun.


AREA AND ROAD CLOSURES
All highways closed as a result of the Deep Fire have been reopened to all traffic. Motorists should drive defensively as fire equipment will be entering and exiting the highways at unexpected locations. Law enforcement will patrol SH 29 heavily to help prevent accidents and assist motorists and fire personnel. In the interest of safety, Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. These are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and fire personnel. All areas in the Bear Island Unit, and all areas north of Fire Prairie Trail, including the trail itself, in the Deep Lake Unit are closed.


--
Deep Fire Information
239-340-0123
www.inciweb.org
bigcypressfire@gmail.com

If we're allowed in the next few weeks..it'll look like a burned-out moonscape on the surface. Small brush will be ash...small palms will be severely seared...hardwoods should show burned lower branches and heavy bark scorching. Hopefully, heartwood did not get badly damaged. Hopefully ...most small critters got out of the way of the flames.
Wait till the day after it rains and you'll see new sprouts everywhere. Over the next few weeks..if the weather cooperates...you'll see a green haze all over the area from all the new growth.
Mother Nature takes.
Mother Nature Gives back.

We mess it all up diverting water flow with our canals and artificial drainage routing water to urban areas for all the golf courses and lawns.

It's a miracle the Big Cypress and Everglades has survived through it all for so long.

Rant off!

Final Update?

Sat. AM
Bear Island Still Closed

Deep Fire Update

Fire Size: 30,005

Containment: 90%

Firefighters patrolled and mopped up the Deep Fire throughout the day. Efforts were concentrated on those areas on the north end of the fire where the burnout occurred. State Highway 29 was opened to general traffic yesterday from I-75 north to Oil Well Road. Law enforcement officers will patrol the road heavily to ensure that motorists maintain a safe speed and to assist fire equipment operating in the area. There could be short term temporary closures due to smoke and fog over the next few days as some interior burning continues to occur. This will be the last update from the Southern Blue Team on the Deep Fire.


Weather forecast calls for generally easterly winds with predicted high temperature in the upper 80’s. Crews will continue work to secure all fire lines, mop up the interior and watch for spot fires. The Southern Blue Team will continue to transition management of the fire to a local Incident Management Team. The transition of command will take place on Saturday May 2, 2009 at 6:00 pm with the Blue Team demobilizing most of the firefighters by tonight. The remaining Blue Team members will demobilize tomorrow.

What Happens After the Fire

The fire-adaptive plant communities of the Big Cypress Swamp recover rapidly from the effects of a wild or prescribed fire. The recovery process begins immediately after the fire passes and takes place quickly in this warm and wet sub-tropical climate.

The swamp is actually rejuvenated by fire which has been a vital part of this ecosystem for many thousands of years. Many plants and animals rely on the occurrence of periodic fire to exist. When a wild or prescribed fire occurs, the animals in the path of the fire walk, run, burrow, or fly to a safe area. After the fire has passed the animals return and feed on new plant growth and food exposed by the fire. The above ground plant parts quickly sprout from their root systems and seeds in the soil germinate due to nutrients from the burn and warmth from the sun.

Area and Road Closures

All highways closed as a result of the Deep Fire have been reopened to all traffic. Motorists should drive defensively as fire equipment will be entering and exiting the highways at unexpected locations. Law enforcement will patrol SH 29 heavily to help prevent accidents and assist motorists and fire personnel. In the interest of safety, Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures. These are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and fire personnel. All areas in the Bear Island Unit and all areas north of Fire Prairie Trail, including the trail itself, in the Deep Lake Unit are closed.

--
Deep Fire Information
239-340-0123
www.inciweb.org
bigcypressfire@gmail.com

Fire Out
Bear Island still closed.
It closes for a while when?
This may mean it's done till later in the summer.



Big Cypress Fire Update
Deep Fire Contained and Controlled

The Deep Fire was declared fully contained as of Saturday, May 9th at
6:30 p.m. The National Park Service designated the fire as Controlled
at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11th. There will still be hot areas inside
and along the periphery of hardwood hammocks and dense stands of
hardwoods/cypress.

Controlled means that there is a complete fireline around the perimeter
and all hot spots are cooled down that are an immediate threat to the
control line. There is still active burning within the fire perimeters
but the likelihood of the fire moving outside of the control line is
greatly reduced.

Yesterday, localized rains aided in continuing to cool fire activity
within the fire lines. With the new status of the fire conditions
closures in the proximity of the fire have changed. Effective 12:00 noon
on May 12, 2009 the Deep Lake Unit North of and including the Fire
Prairie Trail are reopened for public recreational use. Bear Island
Unit including Bear Island Campground remains temporarily closed to
recreational use until further notice.

Bob DeGross
Big Cypress National Preserve
Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141
239-695-1107 office; 239-695-2259 fax

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American
people so that all may experience our heritage.
Experience Your America!