Evacuation plan rescinded after crews contain 19,814 acre Sandy wildfire

Update (05/15/2023 9:19 p.m.): Crews have been working to contain the Sandy Wildfire. All phases of the Sandy Wildfire Evacuation Plan have been rescinded.

Crews are continuing to hold and improve the perimeter of the fire over the next few days. Closures remain in effect west of 11 Mile Road, north of US41, east of Monument Trail, and south of Mud Lake, Little Deer, Oasis Trail, and Lost Dog, including the Florida Trail from Oasis Visitor Center to I75 (MM63).  

Update (05/14/2023 9:21 p.m.): The Sandy Wildfire Evacuation Plan has been downgraded to Phase One (Residents within evacuation zone are notified of potential fire impacts and advised to create defensible space around home if possible.)

The fire is currently 19,814 acres and at 45% containment. Crews continue to improve the control line on the western flank of the fire. They are now focusing on cooling the areas with increased heat.

Closures remain in effect west of 11 Mile Road, north of US41, east of Monument Trail, and south of Mud Lake, Little Deer, Oasis Trail and Lost Dog, including the Florida Trail from Oasis Visitor Center to I75 (MM63).

Update (05/13/2023 2:59 p.m.): U.S. 41 eastbound is closed from State Road 29 in Collier County, and westbound from Krome Avenue in Dade County due to poor visibility from smoke from the Sandy Wildfire.

The Sandy Fire continues to grow as crews work to increase containment. As of 10:19 p.m. Friday (5/12), the fire reached 16,595 acres and containment has increased to 35%.

Phase two of the Sandy Wildfire Evacuation Plan was initiated Thursday night. Residents within the areas of concern have been notified to prepare for potential evacuations. Residents with preexisting medical conditions have been encouraged to leave. So far just one home has been evacuated.

All lanes of U.S. 41 are back open after being closed for a period of time Friday. However, smoke impacts along U.S. 41 continue and travelers should use caution when driving in the area.

Florida Highway Patrol Troopers will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Please avoid the area if possible. Visibility can change within seconds.

Fire managers continue to contend with dry conditions, crews are taking advantage of the favorable nighttime weather conditions to conduct suppression burn-out operations on the Sandy Wildfire.

Additional crews utilized suppression burn-out operations today to protect structures west of Oasis Trail.

Firefighters will continue to utilize direct and indirect attacks, suppression burn-out operations, and point protection to improve containment on the Sandy Fire.

Closures remain in effect west of 11 Mile Road, north of U.S. 41, east of Monument Trail, and south of Mud Lake, Little Deer, Oasis Trail, and Lost Dog including the Florida Trail from Oasis Visitor Center to I-75 (MM63).

This both ensures the safety of the public and allows firefighters to work without impediment.

Phase One of the Sandy Wildfire Evacuation Plan remains in effect. Fire managers continue to monitor fire behavior and residents will be notified by fire managers if the evacuation phase is upgraded.

• Phase One: Residents within the evacuation zone are notified of potential fire impacts and advised to create defensible space around the home if possible.
• Phase Two: Residents within the evacuation zone should be packed and ready to evacuate.  Residents with preexisting health conditions will be encouraged to leave at this time.
• Phase Three: Residents will be advised to leave as a fire threat is imminent.