Smoke from brush fire, expected fog could cause low visibility on the roads

RIVERVIEW - A Riverview brush fire near the US 301 area of I-75 could cause poor driving conditions if the smoke comes in contact with a fog expected to develop early Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service Office.

 Thick black plumes of smoke rose from the brush fire near portions of the I-75 Wednesday afternoon.

If the flames  continue to smolder, it could create a zero visibility rate for drivers.

I-75 from Gibsonton to Highway 60 reopened after being temporarily closed,  but I-75 south bound to U.S. Highway 301 remains closed as crews work to contain the brush fire. Winds are expected to be light  with a general drifting from the southeast to northwest. These conditions could create a "super fog", authorities said.

 Residents with asthma, bronchitis and other heart or lung related conditions are being urged to avoid  the area.

The brush fire destroyed power lines and two mobile homes.

People who live near the fire were asked to temporarily leave their homes.

The Florida Highway Patrol is monitoring the conditions as visibility changes.

As of Wednesday night, 75 percent of the brush fire was contained.

Authorities will begin to investigate the cause of the fire once it’s completely out.