DHS Prepares Evacuation Plans for Alligator Alcatraz Facility

The Department of Homeland Security has prepared evacuation plans for Alligator Alcatraz in case of a natural emergency. Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated there is no immediate plan to close Alligator Alcatraz even as fires burn within 20 miles of the facility. "Right now, we have fires that are within 20 miles of it," Mullin said.

He added that the site is a soft-sided facility. "We do understand there's vulnerabilities there," Mullin said. Florida is pretty susceptible to hurricanes, he stated, noting that conditions could force action at some point.

"We have not made any announcement that we're shutting down Alligator Alcatraz," Mullin said. @CBSNews reported that the Department of Homeland Security prepared the evacuation plans despite the absence of any closure decision. Mullin addressed the facility's exposure to both current wildfires and the state's well-known hurricane vulnerability in a single statement.

The comments come as fires remain active within 20 miles, according to the secretary. Alligator Alcatraz functions as a soft-sided facility, a detail Mullin highlighted while acknowledging its vulnerabilities. No timeline has been given for any potential closure or evacuation.