COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- Crews in Big Cypress National Preserve are still making progress, little by little, as they battle a huge wildfire that’s been burning for two weeks.
At last check, the wildfire known as the Cowbell Fire has scorched nearly 17,000 acres, but as of late Friday morning it's now 47% contained. That's up from just 38% Thursday night.
This is the largest wildfire in the state. It's burning about a mile north of Alligator Alley.
274 personnel are assigned to battle the fire, and equipment resources include seven helicopters, two single engine air tankers and 21 engines.
The following closures remain in place in Big Cypress National Preserve:
• Pink Jeep, Bear Island and Gator Head Campgrounds
• The road leading into the Sanctuary, except to residents
• All trails between State Road 29, L-28 Canal and north of I-75, including that section of the Florida Trail
• All public lands west of the L-28 Canal, north of Alligator Alley and east of State Road 29
