All lanes on Interstate 75 were closed Wednesday night in Southwest Florida. They reopened about 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Smoke from a large wildfire closed a 57-mile stretch of the interstate, also known as Alligator Alley, Wednesday night.
➤ Officials believe human caused fire at Big Cypress National Preserve
The closure affected the interstate between Exit 80 in Collier County and Exit 23 in Broward County.
The FHP advised motorists that while the interstate is now open there’s still a “potential for smoke or visibility issues in the area and to approach with caution.”
The National Weather Service Miami posted on X Thursday morning smoke from the fire was drifting southwest across Collier County.
“Continued low visibilities across inland areas and deteriorating air quality is possible through daybreak at coastal/metro locations,” NWS said.
Here’s what you should know.
Wildfire closes 57-mile stretch of Interstate 75
Smoke from a wildfire in the Big Cypress National Preserve, prompted the FHP to close I-75 about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25.
The road reopened at 6 a.m. Thursday.
The FHP advised motorists that while the interstate is now open there’s still a “potential for smoke or visibility issues in the area and to approach with caution.”
Both directions of the interstate were closed along a 57-mile stretch from mile markers 23 and 80 for more than nine hours Wednesday night.
➤ Brush fire at Big Cypress National Preserve grows to 25,000 acres
Where was I-75 closed in Florida?
I-75 closed was closed between State Road 29, Exit 80 in Collier County, and U.S. 27, Exit 23 in Broward County.
The interstate was closed due to poor visibility caused by dense smoke from the wildfire.
There remains a possibility of smoke affecting visibility Thursday, according to NWS and FHP.
Video shows large wildfire at Big Cypress National Preserve
How big is the fire in the Big Cypress National Preserve?
The wildfire in the Big Cypress National Preserve started Sunday, Feb. 22.
By Thursday, it had grown to about 25,000 acres.
Smoke bringing low visibility, affecting air quality
“Smoke from the National Fire in Big Cypress National Preserve is gradually drifting west/southwest across Collier County early this morning,” the National Weather Service Miami posted on X shortly before 4 a.m. Feb. 26.
“Continued low visibilities across inland areas and deteriorating air quality is possible through daybreak at coastal/metro locations.”
What caused the Big Cypress National Preserve fire?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists the blaze as caused by a human.
Dry conditions in the area, as well as most of Florida, helped the fire to spread, along with low humidity and winds.
Ana Torres-Vazquez, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami, said dry conditions began Feb. 19 and are expected to last through May 31.
Where is Big Cypress National Preserve?
The Big Cypress National Preserve is located in Southwest Florida about 45 miles west of Miami and about 60 miles east of Naples.
Map: Current drought conditions in Florida
How to protect your home from wildfires
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Division of Forestry recommend creating “defensible space” around your home to help protect it from wildfires.
“By properly maintaining your landscape and allowing at least 30 feet of space around your home, you can reduce potential wildfire hazards.”
Here are more tips:
Within 30 feet of your home
30-60 feet from your home
60-100 feet from your home
Contributing: Stacey Henson, Tomas Rodriquez, Naples Daily News
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://naplesnews.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida interstate closed overnight from fire now open. What to know
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
