The Florida Highway Patrol on Saturday, for the second time in two days, shut down traffic on a nearly 60-mile section of Tamiami Trail due to the fire.
Despite active fire behavior Saturday, with wind-driven runs and short-range spotting observed, crews were able to increase containment on the Sandy Fire. The fire is currently at 17,985 acres and 40% contained.
The nearly two-week long Sandy Fire in the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County burned closer to U.S. 41 prompting the Florida Highway patrol to issue a closure order.
A multi-hour closure of U.S. 41 in eastern Collier and western Dade counties Friday was the largest impact yet from the more than 16,000-acre Sandy Fire in the Big Cypress National Preserve.The Florida Highway Patrol closed a 58-plus mile portion of 41, from Krome Avenue in Dade to State Road 29 in Collier to ensure the safety of travelers as well as for the firefighters working along the roadside.