Crews respond to 25,000 acre wildfire burning in Florida Everglades near Collier County

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A wildfire is burning in the Florida Everglades near State Road 29 and Interstate 75 and has already scorched 25,000 acres.

According to Florida 511, emergency vehicles are on scene near Mile Marker 75, where the right lane is blocked.

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The brush fire in Collier County, which started Monday morning, has grown to approximately 25,000 acres as of Tuesday. CNN reports that concerns are rising due to the fire’s proximity to Alligator Alley, which could potentially affect drivers. Continued drought and dry air are keeping “enhanced fire behavior” a concern for South Florida, the National Weather Service (NWS) said Tuesday.

Traffic cameras along Alligator Alley show large plumes of smoke rising above a dense grove of trees.

Drivers are urged to use caution in the area.

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The last fire in the Everglades back in August scorched nearly 42,000 causing thick smoke to linger around Alligator Alley.