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Ochopee – On March 31st, Big Cypress National Preserve was notified of a wildfire in the northwestern section of the preserve. The Spoonbill Wildfire, as of April 3rd at 0700, has burned approximately 1783 acres and is located approximately 2 miles north of I-75 at mile marker 69 and .5 miles north and west of the Bundschu Grade in the area of Little Marsh. Limited access prevents direct action without significant natural resource disturbance and elevated safety risk to the firefighting resources. Fire crew on the ground have been working with the single engine air tankers (SEATs) and helicopter to drop water and aid in suppression efforts on this fire. 32 crew including the PatRick handcrew, 1 helicopter, and 3 single engine air tankers (SEATs) are assigned to the fire. Additional resources will be arriving throughout the day, including a Fire Hawk out of Leesburg, an additional Type 1 helicopter, Smokey Mtn. Fire Use Module and a buggy from the Seminole Reservation Fire Crew. Late in the day a thunderstorm over the fire led to notable growth to the north, northeast, and east. Precipitation of up to a third of an inch occurred over the fire. The wildfire did cross north of Bundschu Grade and at this time fire crews are working to protect a private structure in the area. East/Southeast winds will continue to push the fire, with flanking growth to the north and south. The Spoonbill Wildfire is within .5 miles of the recent Leprechaun Fire, and the cause is under investigation. There is 0% containment at this time. Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Forest Service have been notified and no closures have been recommended at this time due to the fire’s remote location. No injuries have been reported. Additionally, the Cormorant Wildfire was reported April 2nd around 1700 in the area near the Anhinga Wildfire and has been identified as a lightning strike. At this time it is approximately one acre with minimal fire activity. The fire is in an isolated area and did receive rain from yesterday’s storm. The fire will be monitored by flights to and from the Spoonbill Fire The best contact for the Spoonbill and Cormorant Wildfires is the Duty Officer, 239-719-0241. For additional updates and closures, please visit nps.gov/bicy for park alerts or fire updates.