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Paynes Prairie Fire One Day Later
I visited US 441 this morning to see if the fire was still burning. The flames were still there. Paynes Prairie is so dry and packed with fuel for a long smoldering conflagration. With the dry conditions, massive vegetation, and winds, this fire could smolder for weeks. That is not good. Two major roads, US 441 and Interstate 75 are right next to Paynes Prairie. This morning fog, smoke and darkness caused 10 fatalities and numerous trauma victims.
10 dead in morning crashes; I-75 still closed
Unfortunately, there were fatal crashes on Interstate 75 early this morning. Fog and dense smoke in the darkness of night caused ZERO visibility. Very bad result.

US 441 Paynes Prairie Fire
This grass fire right next to US 441 started Saturday afternoon. It burned on a very dry Prairie and continues to smolder.
Most of the fire was extinguished but fire and smoke continued through the night and is still smoldering. Conditions are very dry and the ground has a lot of mulch perfect for a smoldering fire. This fire could continue for weeks.
The worst outcome is the horrific crashes early this morning on Interstate 75. At least 10 are dead and many more in nearby trauma center.

10 dead in morning crashes; I-75 still closed
Unfortunately, there were fatal crashes on Interstate 75 early this morning. Fog and dense smoke in the darkness of night caused ZERO visibility. Very bad result.

Fire Along US 441, Paynes Prairie
We had just left the Gator Basketball game. Looking South, I saw a plume of smoke. The smoke had just started, probably a few minutes before I saw it. It kept building and we followed the plume. I was hoping it was not in the Prairie, but there it was. A grass fire right along side US 441, on the East side of the road. Many cars had pulled off the road and a few emergency vehicles were already there by the time I arrived. I hope no wildlife are in peril.
This is what I posted to Wunderground yesterday.
Early this morning there were fatal crashes along Interstate 75 due to fog and smoke and zero visibility.

Sorry for the very grainy image. I cropped this image down.

Visiting Sandhill Cranes at IFAS
The groups are much smaller this year.
We have been experiencing drought like weather. Many watering holes have dried up.
Paynes Prairie, where they usually spend some of their grazing time, is very dry.

At the IFAS cow pastures on the corner of SW 23rd and SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL.

On a misty beginning to 2012, the sun just started to pop out.
Vintage FL, just down the road from my home, in Southwest Gainesville.
These dirt roads are still common in Alachua County.
Happy New Year!