UPDATED- Wildfire in Holey Land WMA burns 25,000 acres

Smoke covers large area of Palm Beach County

Posted 5/31/21

The Bobcat Fire, which started in the Holey Land Wildlife Management Area on Saturday afternoon, had burned 23,000 acres by noon on May 31, according to the Florida Forest Service (FFS).

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UPDATED- Wildfire in Holey Land WMA burns 25,000 acres

Smoke covers large area of Palm Beach County

Posted

PALM BEACH COUNTY -- The Bobcat Fire, which started in the Holey Land Wildlife Management Area on Saturday afternoon, had burned 23,000 acres by noon on May 31, according to the Florida Forest Service (FFS).

By 2 p.m. Monday, the fire had burned 23,500 acres and was 50% contained according to FFS.

By 8 p.m. Monday, the fire had burned 25,000 acres and was 60% contained.

The fire was first reported about 6 miles west of Highway 27 around 2:45 p.m. Saturday, according to FFS.

Palm Beach residents from Delay Beach to Belle Glade reported experiencing smoke from the wildlife.  

Forest Service is monitoring and managing the large sawgrass fire. No structures are threatened.

According to the South Florida Water Management District, Holey Land WMA is very dry. That area received only about 6 inches of rain this year, which is a deficit of 6.59 inches of average rainfall.

Much of South Florida is at high risk of fires, according to FFS. Hendry and Collier counties are under a burn ban.

“It’s more important than ever for residents to be cautious and understand their role in preventing and preparing for a wildfire,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “All residents and travelers in the vicinity of the Tree Frog Fire should closely monitor the media for updates on the wildfire and road conditions. Together, we can help ensure the safety of our families, communities, and firefighters.”

“With little to no rain in the extended forecast and temperatures rising, the additional resources are critical as we respond to these active wildfires,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service.

The Florida Forest Service is urging the public to be cautious with all fire and help reduce the chances of a catastrophic wildfire. You can be ready for wildfire by learning how to:

• Prepare your yard – create defensible space that will slow down or stop the spread of a wildfire.

• Prepare your home – harden your home and outbuildings to reduce the impact of a wildfire and its spread.

• Prepare an emergency supply kit – pack essentials and follow your local emergency management officials to know when and how to evacuate.

• Avoid burning during periods of high fire danger – know Florida’s outdoor burning laws and learn to burn safely and responsibly.

• Report a Fire or Suspicious Smoke – call 911 or your local Florida Forest Service dispatch office.

To view current wildfire conditions and activity, visit FDACS.gov/CurrentWildfires.

For a map showing current wildfires, see http://fireinfo.fdacs.gov/fmis.dataviewer

wild fire, burning, Florida, Bobcat Fire, Holey Land Wildlife Management Area

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