U.S. Wildland Fire Service Wildland Firefighters are Working to Contain Bluegill Fire in Everglades National Park

News Release Date:
August 3, 2026

Contact: Media Contact, 786-610-8023

Contact: Park Information, 305-242-7700

HOMESTEAD, Fla. - Wildland firefighters from U.S. Wildland Fire Service with assistance from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and Florida Forest Service are responding to the Bluegill Fire, which was reported on Aug. 2 at approximately 11:30 a.m. Located in Everglades National Park approximately 9 miles east of Shark Valley, the fire is approximately 0.25 miles south of U.S. Highway 41 at MM26 and 0.25 miles west of the Airboat Association of Florida. The cause of the fire was lightning. The fire is estimated to be approximately 815 acres and is 75% contained.

Smoke from the wildfire may impact visibility for drivers along U.S. Highway 41/Tamiami Trail. The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Florida Highway Patrol are providing traffic control. Drivers should use caution and be prepared for changing conditions, including possible closures. There are currently no evacuations in place. Wildland firefighters are actively working to suppress the fire and protect life, property, and natural and cultural resources. Firefighters are working to contain the fire using both direct extinguishment strategies to stop its spread at the fire's edge and indirect confinement strategy, where natural barriers exist.

Engines, crews, airboats, and aircraft are responding to the wildfire. Additional wildland firefighting resources will be ordered as needed to support suppression efforts.

After an initial period of active fire behavior, activity has decreased to low levels on the north side and moderate levels on the south side of the fire. There are no immediate threats to life, property or park resources.

For updated fire information, visit Everglades National Park's Current Conditions page: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

For information on air quality forecasts, visit www.airnow.gov.