A wildfire burning in Hamilton County in northern Florida has prompted smoke advisories in neighbouring counties and warnings for drivers on Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 41, according to reports by WTLH-TV FOX 49 citing the Florida Forest Service and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Source: FOX 49 (WTLH)

The fire, identified as the Bee Haven Fire, started on Wednesday, October 21, at about 3:50 p.m. south of County Road 6 East and north of County Road 137, the Florida Forest Service said. The sheriff's office initially reported about 95 acres affected and 35% contained on Wednesday night; by Thursday afternoon the fire had grown to roughly 200 acres, with containment still reported at 35%, while the Forest Service said crews had established containment lines around about 95% of the fire.

Firefighters then began a large-scale controlled firing operation covering about 2,500 acres south of County Road 6 East, north of County Road 137, east of Southeast 120th Avenue and west of Black Still Road, the sheriff's office said. The Forest Service said the operation was carried out on Thursday afternoon into the evening because of equipment limitations in the swamp and the forecast weather for the weekend.

Watch Duty data cited by FOX 49 put the wider fire area at 2,060 acres and 80% contained as of Thursday evening. The Florida Forest Service reported on Thursday evening that no structures were threatened, according to FOX 49.

Source: FOX 49 (WTLH)

Smoke has drifted southeast into Columbia and Lafayette counties, and Suwannee County Fire Rescue said on Friday, October 23, that it had received multiple calls about heavy smoke and ash. Officials urged residents to slow down and use low-beam headlights in smoke, limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed, and not to call 911 solely to report smoke unless there is a new fire or an emergency.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said it is monitoring conditions along Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 41, where smoke could significantly reduce visibility, especially late at night and in the early morning when smoke can settle over roadways and combine with fog. Drivers were urged to reduce speed, increase following distance and avoid travelling into areas where visibility is severely limited.