Firefighters stopped an 80-acre brush fire near the Charlotte-Lee County line on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The blaze sent thick smoke across I-75 and forced lane closures, leaving traffic snarled well into the evening.
The fire broke out around 3 p.m., east of I-75 near mile marker 150 at Tucker’s Grade. Crews from both Charlotte and Lee counties rushed in as winds drove flames through dry brush. For a while, the smoke got so heavy that visibility along the highway dropped fast, raising alarms for drivers and nearby homes.
Florida Forest Service said the fire covered 80 acres by late Thursday. Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol closed a northbound lane around 4:30 p.m., which caused major delays during the afternoon rush.
Officials told the local media that drifting smoke would be normal for a while and urged neighbors to keep windows and doors shut until the air cleared.
By 7:44 p.m., the Forest Service declared the fire completely contained. No one sustained injuries, and the fire destroyed no buildings. Fire crews stayed behind to keep watch for dangerous hot spots.
Investigators are still looking for the cause. With a burn ban in place and dry weather persisting, the fire serves as another strong warning to residents.
