Popular boardwalk at Big Cypress marred by flames

On the evening of Oct. 14, a fire was reported on the Kirby Storter Boardwalk at mile marker 62 along the Tamiami Trail in Big Cypress National Preserve, according to the National Park Service.

The Greater Naples Fire Department was first on scene and used chainsaws and hand tools to create a firebreak in the boardwalk. The responders were able to hold the fire’s western advancement, but the flames traveling on the eastern portion of the raised walkway consumed most of the structure.

Greater Naples Fire Department creates firebreak on Kirby Storter Boardwalk to stop the spread along the western end.
NPS Photo By Scott Pardue
Greater Naples Fire Department creates firebreak on Kirby Storter Boardwalk to stop the spread along the western end.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the entire boardwalk and adjacent parking area is closed to the public at this time.

At the conclusion of the investigation, National Park Service personnel will assess the damage and begin the arduous process of environmental cleanup and reconstruction of the boardwalk.

Kirby Storter boardwalk is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Big Cypress National Preserve. The elevated walkway meanders through Big Cypress grassland and leads visitors into a cypress dome, where the trail terminates at a pond popular with egrets, herons and nesting alligators.

Related Posts

UKRAINIAN REFUGEE STABBED TO DEATH ON U.S. TRAIN—

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte light rail train after fleeing the war for safety in the U.S. Police say Decarlos…

BREAKING NEWS: Truck Rams Into Ganesh Festival

What should have been a night of joy and devotion turned into a scene of horror in Hassan district, Karnataka, India. Witnesses say a speeding truck lost…

Mike Pence with tears in their eyes make the sad announcement..

For months, former Vice President Mike Pence had been grappling with a difficult reality, one he had hoped to avoid. As he stood before the cameras, his…

Tragedy as teen drowns rescuing four children – his family reveals his legacy

Sixteen-year-old Bryce Brooks from Atlanta was on vacation with his family in Pensacola when tragedy struck. Bryce and friends spotted four younger children being swept away by…

Start chewing cloves and see what happens…see more.

Studies suggest eugenol may protect neurons from damage, reducing risks of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, while also supporting memory and cognitive function. Overall Benefits Beyond the brain, cloves…

Witnesses report shocking scenes unfolding inside the U.S. Naval Academy right now…

FOX News is reporting that multiple victims are being assessed after a shooting incident at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Details remain limited at this…