COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — The National Fire burning in Big Cypress National Preserve in eastern Collier County has grown to 35,034 acres and is 27% contained, according to fire officials.
The wildfire started Feb. 22 about 25 miles east of Naples, south of Interstate 75 and east of State Road 29. The cause remains under investigation.
On Saturday, fire managers carried out a strategic firing operation along SR-29 between Deep Lake, Lower Wagonwheel Road and the northern portion of Birdon Road. Crews used ground and aerial ignition to burn vegetation between containment lines and the main fire to help secure the perimeter…