Parts of Alligator Alley closed due to 15,000-acre brush fire – NBC 6 South Florida

Following a brush fire that scorched thousands of acres in Collier County, parts of Alligator Alley were shut down on Wednesday, authorities announced.

According to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, portions of Alligator Alley were closed due to the massive 15,000-acre wildfire raging in Big Cypress National Preserve.

Known as the National Fire, the blaze first ignited on Sunday.

AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map indicates the fire’s origin was linked to human activity.

In southern Florida, the combination of severe to extreme drought conditions and exceptionally dry weather increases the risk of wildfires. Residents are urged to refrain from any outdoor burning. Open burning bans are currently in effect in Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Palm Beach counties.

On Tuesday morning, wind conditions were lighter compared to Monday, but smoke continued drifting toward the Keys. Later, winds are expected to shift northeast, redirecting the smoke away from South Florida and toward the Gulf.