A massive fire in Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve, near a stretch of I-75 dubbed Alligator Alley continued to burn Friday, Feb. 27.
The National fire started Feb. 22 and quickly spread to more than 25,000 acres. As of 7 p.m. Feb. 26, the fire was uncontained.
Low visibility due to smoke from the fire prompted the Florida Highway Patrol to close Alligator Alley, from Exit 80 in Collier County to Exit 23 in Broward County, on Feb. 25. The road was reopened at 5:45 a.m. on Feb. 26.
Weather and environmental conditions are contributing to the rapid spread and difficulty of suppressing the fire, the National Park Service said in a Feb. 26 update.
Firefighters are working to strengthen and enhance existing fire lines around the fire on Friday, Feb. 27, per the National Park Service.
Here’s what to know about the Everglades fire and Alligator Alley closing:
Is Alligator Alley closed due to fire?
FHP closed Alligator Alley at 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 25, due to low visibility from the National fire. Alligator alley reopened at 5:45 a.m., Feb. 26.
While Alligator Alley remained open as of Friday morning, Feb. 27, authorities urged motorists to use caution, reduce speed, and remain alert for changing conditions.
At around 3:30 a.m., Feb. 27, the National Weather Service in Miami warned that visibility could worsen along Alligator Alley with the possibility of smoke and fog combining.
“Visibilities may drop to near zero at times making driving treacherous, especially along Alligator Alley where smoke and fog may combine,” The weather service posted on X.
On Friday, Feb. 27, fire activity is expected to increase in the late afternoon, then decrease after sundown, according to the National Park Service. Smoke could impact portions of I-75, SR-29, and US-41, especially tonight and early morning Saturday, Feb. 28.
How big is the Florida fire in Big Cypress National Preserve near I-75 along Alligator Alley?
As of Feb. 26, the Big Cypress National Preserve fire is 25,780 acres, per the National Park Service.
What caused the Everglades fire in Big Cypress National Preserve near I-75 in Florida?
While officials have not released any details, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists the fire’s cause as “human.”
The National Park Service lists the cause of the fire as “unknown, under investigation” as of Feb. 26.
Is the National fire near Alligator Alley on I-75 in Florida contained?
As of Feb. 26, the National fire is 0% contained.
Where is the Everglades fire?
The National fire is burning in the Big Cypress National Preserve, about 25 miles east of Naples, south of I-75 and east of SR-29.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida’s Big Cypress fire rages on. Is Alligator Alley open?
Reporting by Kim Luciani, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
