“Puerto Rican Forest Firefighters Join Efforts to Extinguish Big Cypress National Preserve Fire in South Florida”

Forest firefighters and vigilantes from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) will travel to South Florida to participate in efforts to extinguish a fire that has affected over 8,400 acres of land in the “Big Cypress National Preserve.”

In a press release, it was reported that the mission in which the Puerto Ricans will participate will be extended for 14 days.

“The forest firefighters attached to the DNER will join other teams from different states of the nation in this important work, which seeks to protect and conserve the natural resources of the Reserve. The DNER reiterates its commitment to work in collaboration with other agencies and states to face emergency situations that put our natural resources and the safety of our community at risk. We wish them success in their mission and we look forward to their soon return home,” said the secretary, Anías Rodríguez.

The fire started in the first week of April, where reservation staff had to enforce evacuation plans for nearby residents.

The reserve is made up of 729,000 acres. It was established on October 11, 1974. Among its attractions is a freshwater swamp ecosystem. In addition, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and wild hogs are hunted in the area.