Key Takeaways
- A wildfire in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, burned over 35,000 acres as of February 28, 2026.
- The fire’s cause is under investigation, with conditions exacerbated by extreme drought and frost-damaged vegetation.
- Smoke from the blaze led to temporary closures of I-75 and affected visibility across nearby areas.
Wildfire Threatens Big Cypress National Preserve
On February 22, 2026, a significant wildland fire, referred to as the National fire, was detected in Big Cypress National Preserve, approximately 25 miles east of Naples, Florida. The blaze rapidly advanced through the dry vegetation, causing a large smoke plume that impacted both the preserve and surrounding communities.
NASA’s Aqua satellite documented the fire’s progression on February 25, showing that it had consumed about 24,000 acres (9,700 hectares). By this time, wind patterns had shifted, shifting smoke northward, which resulted in reduced visibility and prompted a temporary closure of Interstate 75, known as “Alligator Alley.” This smoke also contributed to smog conditions over Lake Okeechobee.
The fire’s spread continued unabated in the following days, growing to over 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares) by February 28. As of March 2, containment efforts resulted in the fire being 38 percent contained. The exact cause of the fire remains a mystery, but it is believed that the extensive dry vegetation, previously subjected to an ongoing drought and damage from recent frost, plays a significant role in its rapid expansion.
The National Interagency Fire Center has raised concerns about an above-normal fire potential across Florida extending through May, suggesting that ongoing dry conditions may continue to exacerbate wildland fire risks in the state.
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