Fire Update -- May 20, 2008
Incident: Mustang Corner Wildfire
Released: 5/20/2008
Yesterday
With only a few scattered afternoon showers, the Mustang Corner Fire in Everglades National Park continued to burn as record temperatures and drought conditions prevailed. Fire weather forecasters are predicting continued winds out of the southwest with increased chances for moisture. Firefighters directly attacked the 39,000-acre blaze on the southernmost edge on Monday as aircraft dropped thousands of gallons of water along the fire's northern perimeter.
Two nearby prisons were evacuated voluntarily as a precautionary measure.
Firefighters focused their on-the-ground efforts on putting out any hotspots on the southern edge of the fire and burnout operations on the west.
Crews and equipment continue to arrive to aid in suppression efforts. To date, no structures have been lost and the fire remains within the Park boundary. Firefighters are also working to protect the critical habitat of the federally endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow and a variety of other important wildlife and natural resources.
Today
Due to the efforts of firefighters on the ground, air support and higher relative humidity, the progress of the fire slowed. Today's suppression efforts are concentrated on the northeast corner of the fire above the Chekika visitor area. All available aircraft will deliver water and retardant to halt the progress of this fire toward Tamiami Trail (Hwy 41) and Krome Highway.
The National Park Service is making every effort to keep the fire within the park boundary. Because of the fire's close proximity to an urban area, fire personnel received National Park Service approval to deliver fire retardant with a low phosphorous content ahead of the fire today to slow its progression. Currently, seven helicopters, three heavy air tankers and two single-engine air tankers (SEATs) are attacking the blaze from the air. If conditions are favorable, firefighters will work to create a direct fireline in the area. Firefighters will continue mop-up efforts on the southern and western edges of the fire.
Residents should remain alert for intermittent and unexpected smoke on roadways. If visibility should suddenly decrease, move your vehicle completely off of the roadway to avoid being hit from behind by following traffic. Stay indoors during periods of heavy smoke cover and take special precautions to protect children, senior citizens, person with breathing problems and outdoor pets.
All Everglades National Park facilities are open for park visitors.
Road Closures
Everglades National Park has temporarily closed Richmond Drive (SW 168th Street) west
of the park border to motorized and non-motorized vehicles due to public safety concerns.
Mustang Corner Fire information
Website: http://www.inciweb.org/
Email: mustangcornerfire@gmail.com
Information Hotline: 404-354-5878
