A fast-moving wildfire deep in Big Cypress is forcing evacuations — and it’s still growing.

The fire, burning near the Bear Island area of Big Cypress National Preserve, has expanded to more than 500 acres, triggering closures and pushing visitors out of the area as crews work to contain it.

As of the latest update, the fire remains only partially contained, with crews continuing to battle difficult conditions on the ground.

What’s happening

The wildfire — often referred to as the “Hilux Fire” — was first reported earlier in the week and quickly spread across dry terrain in the preserve.

  • North of Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley)

  • East of State Road 29

  • Near Bear Island Campground

Because it sits in a remote but heavily visited part of Big Cypress — especially for camping and off-road recreation.

As the fire grew, officials moved quickly:

  • Visitors were told to evacuate Bear Island

  • Multiple campground areas were closed

  • Fire crews, including aviation units, were deployed

The fire has now reached over 500 acres and remains only partially contained as of the latest reports.

This isn’t happening in isolation.

Southwest Florida has been dealing with unusually dry conditions, creating an environment where fires can spread quickly through pine and prairie landscapes like Big Cypress.

And this isn’t even the first major fire in the area this year.

Why this matters

Big Cypress National Preserve covers hundreds of thousands of acres and plays a critical role in the region’s ecosystem.

But during dry season, it also becomes highly vulnerable.

  • Spread rapidly due to dry vegetation

  • Create smoke hazards near major roads like I-75

  • Force sudden evacuations in recreational areas

Even when there’s no immediate threat to homes, the impact is real — especially for visitors and surrounding communities.

What to watch

Fire crews continue working to contain the blaze, using both ground teams and aerial support.

Closures remain in place across parts of the preserve, including Bear Island and nearby areas, as conditions are monitored.

Officials are urging the public to:

👉 Avoid restricted areas👉 Stay updated through official channels

👉 Be aware of smoke conditions in the region

💡 The Bottom Line

  • A wildfire in Big Cypress has grown beyond 500 acres

  • Evacuations were ordered near Bear Island

  • Crews are still working to contain the fire

👉 In Southwest Florida’s dry season, situations like this can escalate fast — and this one already has.

Source Note:
This story is based on reporting from WINK News, Gulf Coast News, and the National Park Service.