UPDATE: 2/25 at 5:23 PM
The National Park Service told Fox 4 that crews are essentially fighting fire with fire. They are putting in what are called perimeter lines, burning what is in the fire's path to stop it from growing.
WATCH: Fox 4's Eric Lovelace spoke to a neighbor who lives 2 miles from the fire:
I spoke with Dusty Crum, who says his property sits just 2 miles from the wildfire moving through Big Cypress.
"It is very concerning," Crum said.
Crum says he has kept a close eye on the situation.
"You know we're praying for rain," Crum said.
Despite the uncertainty, Crum says there is little residents can do. Crum says he is leaning on his faith to get through it.
"I got a buddy, that's gonna see me through it, his name is Jesus Christ," Crum said.
The agency says it will not start the containment process until crews are confident the fire will not move. The National Park Service says residents should anticipate smoke impacting visibility overnight and into the morning.
UPDATE: 2/26 at 5:56 AM
The Florida Highway Patrol says all lanes of I-75 Alligator Alley in Collier and Broward Counties are back open following Wednesday evening's closure due to poor visibility caused by wildfire smoke. The latest updates from Big Cypress National Preserve says the fire has burned 24,014 acres and is 0% contained.
UPDATE: 2/25 10PM
Florida Highway Patrol said State Troopers are in the process of CLOSING Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) from Exit 80 (State Road 29) in Collier County to Exit 23 (US 27) in Broward County due to poor visibility from smoke from a wildfire.
FHP said Troopers will continue to monitor conditions overnight; updates will be provided as needed.
FHP said Alternate routes such as State Road 29, US 27, US 41 remain OPEN.
UPDATE: 2/25 6PM
A large brush fire continued burning inland in Collier County on Wednesday, sending thick smoke across nearby roadways and toward Alligator Alley as dry conditions made containment difficult.
While flames were no longer visible from the main road, the fire continued to burn deeper in the brush, with wind pushing heavy plumes of smoke across the region. The fire has burned at least 24,000 acres, according to the National Park Service.
WATCH AS SMOKE FROM THE BRUSH FIRE BLANKETS PARTS OF ALLIGATOR ALLEY:
Tammy and Tim Reynolds said they drove to the area for a hike just off State Road 29 but had to pass through miles of smoke to get there.
“The smoke was really thick to the point that we thought, should we turn around and go back?” Tammy Reynolds said.
The couple said the smoke made it difficult to see and breathe while driving through the area.
“And harder to breathe! It was — we had the windows up,” Tammy said. “It was noticeable in your throat and in your eyes,” Tim added.
Fire data shows at least 100 buildings are threatened by the blaze. The National Park Service said dry conditions are making it harder to contain the fire.
Collier County remains under an active burn ban, which local fire departments said people need to take seriously as conditions remain dangerous.
“Cool conditions, low humidity, we already went into the dry season dry. We’re in extreme conditions,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, a public information officer with the North Collier Fire District. “So, we want to make sure that the public is very aware of what any type of actions that they take can significantly impact this community."
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire was 0% contained. Fire officials said additional fires have also started in the area as crews work to keep the main blaze from spreading.
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