The Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Interstate 75/Alligator Alley was closed to traffic and smoke was obscuring visibility.
The Florida Highway Patrol made the decision around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, to close the interstate between Exit 80 (State Route 29) in Collier County and Exit 23 (US 27) in Broward County.
Troopers will continue to monitor the situation throughout the night; the agencies reported that updates will be provided as needed.
They recommend that alternative routes to State Highway 29, State Highway 27 and State Highway 41 remain open.
The fire broke out on Feb. 22 in the Big Cypress National Preserve, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Smoke billows from a 24,000-acre brush fire in the Big Cypress National Preserve on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Why is Alligator Alley closed to traffic?
The initial fire grew to about 15,000 acres, said Erika Hoopes, a spokesperson for the conservancy.
As firefighters began taking defensive action, they started fires to contain the blaze, bringing its total size to 24,000 acres.
Winds from the south push the smoke north, across interstates and causing traffic problems.
Earlier Wednesday, Lt. Greg Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol urged motorists to use caution, reduce speeds and remain alert to changing conditions.
What is Big Cypress National Preserve?
Big Cypress National Preserve spans 729,000 acres in southern Florida.
It is one of the largest protected areas in the United States and is home to more than 350 species of birds and more than 40 species of mammals, including black bears and Florida panthers.
Naples Daily News and Fort Myers Courant reporter Thomas Rodriguez contributed to this report.
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This article originally appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press: Alligator Alley closed due to Everglades fires in Southwest Florida
