Florida Everglades ‘National Fire’ Explodes to 25,000 Acres Near Naples, Sending 100+ Mile Smoke Plume Across the Keys
NAPLES, FLORIDA — A rapidly growing wildfire in the Florida Everglades has expanded to 25,000 acres and remains 0% contained Tuesday morning, sending a massive smoke plume stretching more than 100 miles across South Florida and over the Florida Keys.
The blaze, referred to as the “National Fire,” is burning in the Big Cypress National Preserve, roughly 11 miles east of Naples near Alligator Alley, and has intensified quickly under dry conditions.
Fire Location: Big Cypress National Preserve
Satellite imagery shows the fire centered inland from Naples, within the protected wetlands of Big Cypress. Nearby communities include:
- Naples
- Marco Island
- Bonita Springs
- Immokalee
- Homestead
The fire’s proximity to Alligator Alley (I-75) has raised concerns for visibility and potential travel disruptions if smoke thickens near roadways.
Smoke Plume Visible From Space
One of the most striking aspects of this wildfire is the scale of the smoke plume.
Satellite imagery shows:
- A thick smoke stream extending south and southeast
- Smoke crossing the southern tip of the Florida Peninsula
- A visible plume stretching across the Florida Keys
- Haze detectable more than 100 miles away
The plume has drifted across areas including:
- Homestead
- Key Largo
- Marathon
- Key West
At this scale, smoke is large enough to be clearly visible on space-based satellite platforms.
0% Contained and Growing Fast
The fire has reportedly grown rapidly to 25,000 acres, with no containment established as of Tuesday morning.
Dry vegetation in the Everglades combined with wind patterns can allow fires to spread quickly across marsh and brushland. While wetlands typically slow fire spread, prolonged dry spells can create highly flammable conditions.
Air Quality Concerns for South Florida
With smoke traveling more than 100 miles, air quality impacts are possible across:
- Southwest Florida
- Miami-Dade County
- The Florida Keys
Residents in affected areas may notice:
- Hazy skies
- Reduced visibility
- Smoke odor
- Irritation for sensitive groups
Shifting wind directions could alter where the thickest smoke settles in coming hours.
Why Smoke Is Traveling So Far
The long smoke plume suggests:
- Sustained winds pushing the plume southward
- Dry air allowing smoke to remain lofted
- Strong thermal lift from the fire
Flat terrain across South Florida allows smoke to travel long distances without significant topographic interruption.
Ongoing Monitoring
Fire crews and officials are expected to continue monitoring spread rates and containment progress throughout the day. Given the fire’s size and 0% containment status, conditions could change quickly depending on wind shifts.
The situation underscores how rapidly wildfires can expand even in subtropical environments like the Everglades.
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