In the interest of safety, Everglades National Park is announcing the temporary closure of Richmond Drive (SW 168th Street) west of the park border. Park personnel and heavy equipment are currently working in the area to contain the Mustang Corner Fire. The closure, in effect for both motorized and non-motorized vehicles, is required to guarantee access for fire personnel and minimize risks to visitor and employee safety. Access to all affiliated roads beyond the closure point will also be restricted. The Mustang Corner Fire was first reported south of Chekika early Wednesday morning. By early Thursday, the fire spanned approximately 13,000 acres and threatened to impact nesting habitat of the federally endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow. Presently, the fire poses no danger to structures or visitor facilities. It is believed the fire was human-caused.
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