Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirms that Interstate 75/Alligator Alley is closed to traffic with smoke obscuring visibility.
Florida Highway Patrol made the decision about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, to close the interstate between Exit 80 (State Road 29) in Collier County to Exit 23 (US 27) in Broward County.
Troopers will continue to monitor conditions overnight; updates will be provided as needed, the agencies reported.
They advised that the alternative routes of State Road 29, U.S. 27 and U.S. 41 remain open.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the blaze ignited Feb. 22 in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Why is Alligator Alley closed to traffic?
The initial fire grew to about 15,000 acres, said Erika Hoopes, spokesperson at the preserve.
As fire crews began their defensive operation, they created fires to contain the blaze, bringing the total to 24,000 acres.
Winds from the south blew smoke northward, over the interstate and caused traffic issues.
Earlier Wednesday, Lt. Greg Bueno with the Florida Highway Patrol urged motorists to use caution, reduce speed, and remain alert for changing conditions.
What is the Big Cypress National Preserve?
Big Cypress National Preserve cuts a swath of 729,000 acres across south Florida.
It’s one of the largest preserves in the nation, home to more than 350 species of birds and 40 species of mammals including the black bear and Florida panther.
Naples Daily News and Fort Myers News-Press reporter Tomas Rodriguez contributed to this report.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Alligator Alley closes in Florida
Reporting by Stacey Henson, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
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