Massive Wildfire in Florida

Smoke from a massive wildfire in northern Florida poses a serious threat to motorists on major interstates.

The Columbia Line Fire continues to burn in extreme northern Florida near the border of Baker and Columbia counties.

The fire has consumed more than 4,500 acres, according the Lake City Reporter.

No structures or private property are in immediate danger with the fire confined to the boundaries of the Osceola National Forest. However, smoke is pouring away from the blaze and creating other dangers.

Weeks of relentless sunshine and exceptionally dry weather have created tinderbox conditions across Florida.

The fire started Thursday, April 5, 2012 in the Pinhook Swamp just north of the Columbia County line.

Earlier today, thick smoke plagued motorists traveling on I-10 through the Osceola National Forest.

Smoke even spread nearly 70 miles southward to Gainesville, passing over I-75 in the process.  Smoke has also been reported as far west as Panama City, 225 miles away.

Meteorologists expect winds to shift to the east tonight, taking the smoke away from I-75 and the Gainesville area but toward Jacksonville and another major interstate highway -- I-95.

Poor visibility will remain a danger to motorists traveling on I-10 in between Jacksonville and the intersection of I-75, a distance of 60 plus miles.

The smoke may spread into downtown Jacksonville Monday morning, creating a nightmare for those with respiratory issues. Poor visibility would then become a concern for motorists on I-95 and the I-295 Beltway around Jacksonville.

Motorists traveling across northeastern Florida are urged to maintain safe driving distance between other vehicles into Monday.

The smoke could make it difficult to see vehicles that are moving slowly, stopped or involved in an accident until it is too late to slow down.

Smoke was responsible for deadly car crashes on I-75 near Gainesville earlier this year.

The U.S. Forestry Service is now dealing with the Columbia Line Fire.  Access by land is reportedly limited and dense smoke has made airborne GPS measurements of the fire's exact dimensions difficult. 

No rain is in the forecast for Florida for the next 10 days, at least, with temperatures in the mid 80°s F (29° C).

As of April 3, 2012 the area that is currently burning was listed as experiencing the worst possible drought conditions (D4 -- Exceptional Drought).  See below.  In our area, slightly further south, the drought conditions are currently rated as D2 or Severe.