‘Cowbell Fire’ spreads, threatens to close Alligator Alley

OCHOPEE, Fla. A fire is forcing campground evacuations and threatening to force the closure of Alligator Alley.

The blaze that’s burning about 3 miles north of Interstate 75 in the Big Cypress National Preserve grew from an estimated 596 acres to 8,335 acres in roughly 11 hours, the National Park Service said shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday evening.

A sizable cloud of smoke could be seen from I-75 Sunday afternoon. Smoke is affecting a stretch between mile markers 55 and 80 and could affect U.S. 41 to the south as well, the park service said.

I-75 may close between Exit 101 and Exit 23 if the smoke causes visibility issues, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Traffic would be diverted to U.S. 41 if that happens.

Drivers are urged to use extreme caution regardless. The smoke is expected to be at its worst between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Monday, according to the park service.

All campgrounds in the Bear Island area are being evacuated within the Preserve, the park service said. The blaze, which the park service is referring to as the “Cowbell Fire,” has crossed Nobles Grade and is moving west.

It started March 30 on an estimated 300 acres.

• Pink Jeep Campground
• Bear Island Campground
• Gator Head Campground
• The road leading into the Sanctuary except to residents
• All trails between State Road 29 and L-28 Canal, including the Florida Trail
• All public lands west of the L-28 Canal
• All public lands east of State Road 29
• All public lands south of the Preserve boundary
• All public lands north of Alligator Alley

Another blaze in the preserve, known as the Parliament Fire, continues to keep Monument Lake and Burns Lake campgrounds closed, as well as some trails.

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Cowbell Fire and it is expected to be expanded to accommodate increased fire growth, the park service said.