A fire that broke out on Wednesday, February 25, in Alligator Alley, an 80-mile stretch of Interstate 75 between Naples and Fort Lauderdale, near Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida has been classified as a man-made fire by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The 25,000-acre Big Cypress fire, which broke out on February 22, is 0% contained, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and dry weather is expected to continue through the end of May.
Wind changes could bring smoke into Naples, Glades and Hendry counties.
While I-75 lanes remained open, video from Alligator Alley showed flames near the roadway.
“All lanes currently remain open; however, wildfire activity and smoke may significantly reduce roadway visibility,” Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Greg Bueno wrote in a news release Wednesday morning. “We urge motorists traveling through this area to use caution, reduce speeds, and remain alert to changing conditions.”
Here’s what we know about the Big Cypress Fire. See the Florida fire map below:
How big is the fire near Alligator Alley near Big Cypress National Preserve (I-75) in Florida?
The Big Cypress Reservation Fire grew from 1,000 acres on February 22 to 25,000 acres in one day.
How did the Nationwide Fires start near Interstate 75 in Florida?
While officials have not released any details, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed the cause of the fire as “man-made.”
Are the nationwide fires near Alligator Alley on Interstate 75 in Florida under control?
The national fire control rate is 0%.
Photos of nationwide fires near Interstate 75 in Florida
Florida fire map
Florida currently has a burn ban in place near you
There is a wildfire risk near you. Search by address
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This article originally appeared in the Naples Daily News: Florida fire burning in Big Cypress National Preserve. what we know
