Alligator Alley shuts down due to 15,000-acre brush fire at Big Cypress National Preserve

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.— A 15,000-acre brush fire is burning at the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County and has been since Wednesday afternoon.

Motorists driving on Interstate 75 south near mile marker 78 will experience plumes of smoke emanating from the national preserve.

Wednesday afternoon, the Hendry County Sheriff's Office announced that Alligator Alley will close down due to the fire, with traffic being rerouted to County Road 833 through the Big Cypress Reservation.

The U.S. Wildlands Fire Service reports that 15,000 acres are burning and none of it is contained yet. Firefighting crews are working tirelessly to manage the situation.

Larry Poulter, who drove past during rush hour, said, "I was thinking, I hope it's not coming across the freeway." He described the scene as "one huge brush fire" with scattered flames.

Susan Wyman, another driver on I-75, said, "There was just very low flames on the side of the road that the firefighters were there deliberately lighting to stop the fire from crossing the highway."

Poulter mentioned seeing helicopters with buckets, presumably for firefighting efforts. He noted that while his drive wasn't affected, others should "be careful if the wind shifts."

Wyman expressed relief that the fire hasn't grown larger, saying, "Grateful that it hasn't gotten bigger here, but hopefully they can get it contained soon."

Fire suppression crews continue to battle the blaze, hoping to bring it under control.

Motorists traveling along Alligator Alley are advised to take extra precautions. 

WINK News reporter Maddie Herron is on the scene, providing updates on the fire’s status.

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