Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park

Everglades Ablaze, Suspected Arsonist Arrested

A 7,000 acres fire, most likely human-caused, in Everglades National Park will be fully suppressed, according to park superintendent Dan Kimball, because it is burning close to two populations of a federally listed endangered species, the Cape Sable seaside sparrow.

"Our highest priority, as always, is firefighter and public safety, but we need to ensure that the habitat of the endangered seaside sparrow is protected," said Kimball.

Called the Mustang Corner Fire, this blaze was first reported Tuesday morning south of Chekika, a recreation area in the eastern part of the Everglades.