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Wildfire Nears Florida Immigration Facility
26 Feb
Summary
- Wildfire in Big Cypress National Preserve exceeds 25,000 acres.
- Fire causes lane closures on I-75, known as Alligator Alley.
- Immigration facility, 'Alligator Alcatraz,' is not threatened.
Crews are battling a significant wildfire in Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve, which has consumed over 25,000 acres as of Wednesday. The fire's smoke has caused intermittent lane closures on Interstate 75, also known as Alligator Alley, a vital east-west route through the Everglades.
Despite the fire's proximity to the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention facility, officials confirmed on Wednesday that it poses no immediate threat. The facility is located approximately 20 miles east of the fire, which is burning in the opposite direction. Increased humidity is reportedly aiding recovery and containment efforts.
"Alligator Alcatraz" opened last July and holds federal detainees facing deportation. Evacuation protocols are reportedly well-rehearsed, with a 24-hour notice system in place should it become necessary. Recent reports from late January indicated approximately 1,500 detainees were housed at the facility, which has a potential capacity of up to 5,000.
The region has experienced dry conditions, exacerbated by a cold front that brought dry air earlier in the week, leading to fire condition warnings. While humidity is increasing, the forecast suggests continued dry weather, maintaining conditions ripe for further wildfires.
