Smoke from 25,000-acre fire reduces visibility for drivers near Alligator Alley
A 25,000-acre wildfire continues to burn for the second day in Collier County’s portion of Big Cypress National Preserve. The fire isn’t causing closures yet, as the blaze nears Alligator Alley, but is reducing visibility for travelers, authorities say.
The blaze, dubbed the National Fire, is south of Interstate 75 and east of State Road 29 and burning at a moderate to high speed, the National Park Service said.
Persistent drought conditions and recent frost damage in the area created a “heavy and highly receptive fuel bed” that’s kept the blaze growing, authorities said.
The National Fire can be seen from space as NOAA picked up the large smoke plumes traveling south toward Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties earlier Tuesday. NOAA said the wildfire “exploded” in size to 25,000 acres.
While the plume appears to be traveling toward South Florida, the National Weather Service of Miami told the Miami Herald residents should not be worried about low visibility on the roads as winds are redirecting the smoke.
However, smoke is impacting portions of I-75 (Alligator Alley), State Road 29 and U.S. Route 41 (Tamiami Trail).
Florida Highway Patrol issued an alert to drivers that they are monitoring wildfire conditions between mile markers 65 to 85 along Alligator Alley in Collier County. No lanes have been closed, but “wildfire activity and smoke may significantly reduce visibility on the roadway.”
“Motorists traveling through the area are urged to use caution, reduce speed and remain alert for changing conditions,” troopers said.
FHP is telling drivers to not use their high beams, don’t stop, watch for slow-moving cars and reduce distractions.
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