UPDATE 1: Thursday, May 11, 2023

Incident Summary

Photo Credit: NPS

The SANDY FIRE is located about 22 miles northeast of Carnestown in the Big Cypress National Preserve (National Park Service) in the southern portion of Collier County, in the State of Florida.

The wildfire was discovered on May 1, 2023, around 1530 hours. The cause was determined to be lightning.

Current Status

There have been about 11,031 acres of southern rough, tall grass and hardwood litter which has been consumed. There is about a 20% containment status.

Fire Behavior

Fire behavior has been observed as active with wind-driven runs, short-range spotting, and running.

Threatened

Structures. No structures have been reported as damaged or lost at the time of this post.

Evacuations were initiated this morning around 0928 hours PDT and Fire Officials stated those with pre-existing conditions have been encouraged to leave.

The Phase Two of the Sandy Fire Evacuation Plan has been implemented, with residents in the impacted area being notified of potential fire impacts and advised to create defensible space around homes if possible.  Fire managers continue to monitor fire behavior and upgrade the Evacuation Phase as necessary.

Resources

There are about 169 total personnel assigned along with two crews, 16 engines, and 10 helicopters.

The fire is being managed by a Type 3 IMT with IC David Crousser, ICT3, and with Patrick Edwards, an ICT3 trainee as of May 3, 2023.

Damage Assessments

As of today’s date, the total cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $2.8 Million Dollars.

Closure Map

The Big Cypress National Preserve Florida (National Park Service) is providing daily closure information. You can visit them at https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Hashtags

We are using the current Hashtags, as well as some using different ones on Social Media.

#SandyFire #SandyWildfire #SandyFLFire #FLwildfires2023

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