Alligator Alley lanes reopen following 24,000-acre brush fire at Big Cypress National Preserve

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.— A 24,000-acre brush fire is burning at the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County and has been since Monday.

The lanes that were previously closed down have now opened.

The Florida Highway Patrol had closed both northbound and southbound lanes between mile marker 80 in Collier County and mile marker 23 in Broward due to the wind pushing smoke onto the roadway. 

The U.S. Wildlands Fire Service reports that 24,000 acres are still burning and none of it is contained yet. Firefighting crews are working to manage the situation. Crews have been battling the flames since Monday.

Drivers at the nearest rest stop reported driving through miles of gray smoke.

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.

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