Fire Update-thursday, May 22
Incident: Mustang Corner Wildland Fire
Released: 5/22/2008
Firefighters are gaining the upper hand in their efforts to contain the Mustang Corner fire. The fire perimeter showed no growth yesterday and acres consumed remains at approximately 40,000 acres. Containment has increased to 70% allowing some resources to be reassigned to other fires across the region.
Prison officials from the evacuated Everglades Correctional Facility, Krome Detention Center and Geo Corp facility were informed that the fire was no longer threatening their facilities.
Today
Firefighters and aerial resources-helicopters and single-engine tankers-- will continue working to extinguish fires in hammocks. If drought conditions persist, some smoke, heat and smoldering could continue for several weeks in the hammocks.
More than 250 personnel from around the country are involved in the incident and are being supported by a variety of aircraft. Firefighters are working to protect important habitat for the federally endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow and other natural resources.
Fire weather forecasters are expecting a wind shift from the southwest to the east today, testing the western edge of the fire for the first time. Although the fire is 70 percent contained, the potential for new fires still exists due to low relative humidity and little appreciable moisture.
Thunderstorms in the area this morning did contain some moisture, but had a negligible effect on the fire. Lightning from these storms poses a potential threat for new starts and firefighters are prepared to participate in initial attack with other cooperators if any fires begin outside the park boundaries.
Fight Fire with Fire
The fire management team of Everglades National Park actively utilizes fire to maintain the integrity of Everglades ecosystems, reduce fuel loads in susceptible areas, and create buffers to hamper wildfires. Areas burned over the past two years are presently helping limit the spread of the Mustang Corner Fire and providing protection to park structures and neighbors.
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: www.inciweb.org
Email: mustangcornerfire@gmail.com
Information Hotline: 404.354.5878
