Extreme drought fuels rapid wildfire growth in South Florida’s Big Cypress Preserve

The National Fire in Big Cypress National Preserve expanded rapidly between February 22 and 25, increasing from approximately 405 ha (1 000 acres) to about 10 117 ha (25 000 acres), according to satellite imagery assessments. The fire remained at 0% containment as of February 25, based on official incident reports.

The affected area lies south of Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) and east of State Road 29 in Collier County.

Smoke from the fire reduced visibility along Interstate 75, State Road 29, and U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), prompting transportation advisories and warnings for motorists. Area closures were implemented in portions of Big Cypress National Preserve south of I-75 to limit public exposure and support firefighting operations.

The National Parks Service (NPS) is urging motorists traveling through the area to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed and use low-beam headlights in smoky conditions, allow extra travel time, be alert for emergency personnel and equipment operating along roadways, and monitor local traffic updates and emergency alerts.

Temporary road closures may be implemented if conditions deteriorate, NPS said.

As of the latest updates, no structural damage or injuries were reported.

The National Fire was reported as human-caused, but dry fuels, low relative humidity, and gusty winds added to rapid fire spread across brush and grassland typical of the Everglades ecosystem. The region has experienced a prolonged dry pattern since fall 2025, increasing fuel availability and fire susceptibility.

More than 650 wildfires were reported across Florida since January 2026, and earlier seasonal totals exceeded 900 fires statewide, burning nearly 16 187 ha (40 000 acres). In Volusia County, earlier fires reportedly burned 20 vehicles and temporarily closed Interstate 95.

By mid-February, approximately 99% of Florida was experiencing drought conditions, with 87% classified in severe to extreme categories, according to data provided by U.S. Drought Monitor on February 19. This makes it the most extensive drought in Florida in more than 25 years.

The absence of tropical cyclone landfalls during the 2025 hurricane season and a dry winter reduced soil moisture and stressed vegetation, while frost events during winter further cured surface fuels, increasing ignition potential.

Red Flag Warnings were issued in multiple counties due to low humidity and gusty winds and burn bans were implemented in several jurisdictions, including Collier, Palm Beach, Hendry, Glades, Alachua, and Hillsborough counties, prohibiting most forms of outdoor burning except contained grills.

Forecast rainfall of approximately 25–50 mm (1–2 inches) between February 26 and 27 may provide limited short-term relief. However, such amounts are insufficient to fully reverse long-term soil moisture deficits or significantly reduce wildfire risk across drought-affected regions.

Escalation potential remains dependent on wind conditions, fuel moisture recovery, and additional ignition sources.

The forecast for the remainder of the dry season (through April 2026) is for below-average storminess across the state, due to a lingering influence from La Niña, even as this pattern weakens into the spring, according Dry Season Forecast issued by the National Weather Service office in Melbourne.

However, even during a La Niña pattern, individual storm systems can still move through the region, bringing the threat of hazardous weather, including severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

References:

¹ Wildfire Update – Big Cypress National Preserve – NPS – February 24, 2026

² Florida Drought Statistics – U.S. Drought Monitor – February 19, 2026

³ Dry Season Forecast – NWS Melbourne – February 2026

Teo Blašković

I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.

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