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Alerts Of Smoky Road Conditions Prompted By I-4 Pileup

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By RICH SHOPES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 11, 2009

Dry conditions are triggering more brush fires than usual and authorities are trying harder to alert motorists to the smoky hazards after last year's deadly pileup on Interstate 4.

Several times a week, the Florida Highway Patrol issues visibility warnings, and the Division of Forestry says wildfires have become more common this season.

FHP spokesman Sgt. Steve Gaskins said the patrol is more vigilant lately about warning motorists about visibility hazards, including having warnings posted on highway signs and alerting media outlets.

"It's now up to drivers to respond," Gaskins said.

The patrol is also documenting the steps taken to alert drivers.

Those steps come after the events of Jan. 9, 2008, when a blend of fog and smoke swaddled parts of I-4, sparking a 70-car pileup that killed 5 people and injured 38. Some said they had no warning about conditions.

This season is giving the patrol plenty of chances to warn drivers.

"We've had twice as many (fires) as last year," forestry division spokeswoman Chris Kitner said.

The division reported 1,024 wildfires have burned 24,730 acres statewide since Jan. 1, compared with 508 fires burning 11,292 acres by this point last year.

Smoke is one factor, with fog, wind and terrain also contributing. Smoke can attach to water particles to create a super dense haze, said John McMichael, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

"We do get a lot more fog this time of year, so we've had a lot more fog and patchy fog and we haven't had any rainfall, which has created conditions for wildfires," he said.

The near daily alerts are due to the recent spate of brush fires, as well.

By June, the Department of Transportation will have highway message signs on I-75 and I-4 operational to warn drivers about smoke and fog.

But McMichael said drivers should catch a break before then. By mid- to late-April warmer morning temperatures will make fog less common.

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633.

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