The Florida Highway Patrol is currently monitoring an approximate two-acre wildfire near Interstate 75 that is impacting driving visibility, while accidents continue to cause congestion on various stretches of the highway on Thursday afternoon.
The fire broke out on the afternoon of Thursday, June 11, on County Road 234 near I-75 in Alachua County. According to state troopers, the wildfire could continue to severely impact visibility for drivers in the area throughout the night and into the early morning hours.
Low visibility from the smoke has already triggered a ripple effect on traffic conditions further south.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation’s FL511 system, heavy traffic congestion has built up along Interstate 75 South in Marion County, spanning a 20-mile stretch from Mile Marker 358 down to Mile Marker 338.
The Florida Highway Patrol warns that smoke-filled conditions can deteriorate rapidly and unexpectedly, especially during nighttime and early morning hours. FHP has issued the following safety guidelines for motorists traveling through the affected areas:
- Low Beams On: Drive with your headlights on low beam to help other motorists see your vehicle. Ensure windshields and headlights are clean to reduce glare and maximize visibility.
- Reduce Speed: Slow down and remain alert for slow-moving or parked vehicles ahead. Motorists should consider rolling down their windows slightly to listen for traffic they may not be able to see.
- Minimize Distractions: Turn off the radio, put away cell phones, and maintain full attention on the roadway.
- Stay in Your Lane: Use the right edge of the road or painted fog lines as a guide. FHP advises drivers to remain patient and avoid passing or changing lanes unnecessarily. Signal turns well in advance and brake early.
- Pulling Off safely: If conditions force you to stop, signal and carefully pull as far off the roadway as possible, then activate your vehicle’s hazard lights.
Drivers who encounter unsafe driving conditions due to smoke are urged to report them immediately to the Florida Highway Patrol by dialing *FHP (*347).
Up-to-the-minute traffic updates and road conditions are available on the Florida 511 website.
Have you encountered the traffic or smoke conditions on Interstate 75 today? Share your thoughts or updates in a comment below, or write a letter to the editor.