U.S. 41 ReopensNear Big Cypress Preserve Fire: Florida Highway Patrol

Updated: 10:20 a.m., Sunday

SOUTH FLORIDA — A section of U.S. 41 near Big Cypress National Preserve was closed to drivers for several hours Saturday afternoon due to poor visibility caused by smoke from a wildfire at the park, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release. (Watch an FHP video of a helicopter releasing water on the blaze below.)

An eastbound portion of the road from State Road 29 in Collier County and the westbound section of the road from Krome Avenue in Miami-Dade County closed around 3 p.m., FHP said. Drivers were encouraged to take Interstate 75/Alligator Alley as an alternate route.

Authorities reopened the road to drivers Saturday night around 8:30 p.m., troopers said.

The Sandy Wildfire is burning north of U.S. 41 between mile markers 55 and 60, according to an emergency alert from the National Park Service.

The agency warned that U.S. 41 may be intermittently shut down Saturday because of wildfire activity in the area.

Sandy started May 1 as a brush fire, the Naples Daily News reported. As of Wednesday, the fire was a little more than 11,000 acres and 20 percent contained, NPS said.

While the preserve is open to the public, all trails and roadways west of 11 Mile Road, north of U.S. 41, east of Monument Trail, and south of Mud Lake, Little Deer, Oasis Trail, and Lost Dog are temporarily closed.

Phase Two of the Sandy Wildfire Evacuation Plan has been initiated, the agency said. Residents in areas of concern have been notified to prepare for potential evacuations. Those with preexisting medical conditions are encouraged to leave.

The final phase of evacuation happens when the fire threat is imminent; at this point, all residents will be asked to leave the area.

Drivers are also asked to be cautious when traveling through the area.

“Visibility can change within seconds,” FHP said. “Wildfires, smoke, fog and heavy rain can all lower visibility on the roads. It is important for motorists to drive as safely as possible in these conditions.”

Troopers suggest the following tips for motorists driving through areas affected by wildfires, smoke, fog or heavy train:

• Drive with lights on low beam.
• Slow down and watch the speedometer before entering a patch of fog or smoke.
• Watch out for slow-moving or stopped vehicles.
• Reduce distractions, such as the radio or cell phone.
• Use wipers and defrosters for maximum visibility.
• Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
• Be patient and avoid passing or changing lanes.
• Signal turns well in advance and brake early when approaching a stop.
• Don’t stop on an interstate or heavily traveled road.

Watch a Florida Highway Patrol video of a helicopter releasing water on the Sandy Wildfire: