Link between prescribed burn smoke and deadly accident on Alligator Alley

Tragically, a fatal accident involving seven vehicles occurred on Alligator Alley early Friday morning. The crash, resulting in one death and three injuries, was caused by heavy smoke from a prescribed burn that led to dangerously low visibility. The collision took place on the southbound side of I-75, near mile marker 96, with a semi-truck coming to a stop in the travel lane due to visibility issues, igniting the series of crashes. The 52-year-old victim hailed from Madeira Beach. The incident happened close to the Picayune Strand State Forest, where a prescribed burn covering around 1,800 acres was conducted by the Florida Forest Service. Prior to the burn, the Service had issued warnings to drivers and residents about potential smoke hazards. Collaboration between foresters and the National Weather Service typically results in a burn plan with a smoke-dispersion forecast, though conditions can change rapidly. A temperature inversion on the night in question trapped smoke from the burn near the ground, leading to the formation of super fog, which significantly reduced visibility. This rare phenomenon has previously been linked to severe multi-vehicle pileups in the Southeast, including a major incident on I-75 in New Smyrna Beach earlier this year. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the specifics of Friday's crash, emphasizing the complex sequence of events.