South Florida awoke on Wednesday enveloped in a thick cloud of smoke caused by two wildfires that merged to devastate over 19,000 acres in the Everglades. According to Telemundo 51 Miami, the blaze originated from two separate points known as "Mile Marker 39" and "Sawgrass Fire," which quickly expanded and merged by Wednesday afternoon, as reported by the Florida Forest Service (FFS).
The severity of the disaster prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a warning regarding air quality and visibility in Broward County. "Smoke from the fires has caused visibility to remain low this morning. Please exercise caution on the roads, as conditions can vary greatly over short distances," NWS Miami cautioned via their X account, urging drivers to be careful.
Northwest winds have carried the smoke into densely populated areas of Broward and northern Miami-Dade, affecting communities such as Weston, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, and Sunrise. Residents in these areas reported the smell of smoke and a gray haze blanketing the streets since early morning.
Air Quality Alert Issued in Broward
Broward County environmental authorities, in coordination with the NWS, issued an Air Quality Alert active from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday. Individuals sensitive to pollution, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, were advised to reduce outdoor physical activities.
Although firefighters reported that the situation has not worsened in recent hours, they warned that completely extinguishing the fire could take several days due to the difficult-to-access locations within the Everglades.
Recurring Wildfire Threats in the Everglades
Wildfires in the Everglades are not uncommon. Just months ago, another blaze forced firefighters to tackle multiple active spots in Miami-Dade County, highlighting the vulnerability of these vast natural areas. In 2022, another fire devastated thousands of acres in the park, impacting wildlife and raising environmental concerns. This incident added to a long list of emergencies tied to drought, high temperatures, and the challenging terrain.
In previous years, fires have even led to the closure of certain park areas, disrupting tourism and demonstrating the direct impact these events have on the local economy and the safety of nearby residents. More severe episodes have been recorded, such as in 2019 when a lightning strike sparked a fire consuming approximately 18,000 hectares, while earlier incidents had already reported blazes that scorched thousands of acres.
Frequently Asked Questions about Everglades Wildfires
What caused the recent wildfires in the Everglades?
The recent wildfires in the Everglades started from two separate points identified as "Mile Marker 39" and "Sawgrass Fire," which eventually merged.
How has the smoke affected the South Florida area?
Smoke from the fires has reduced visibility and degraded air quality in areas like Broward and northern Miami-Dade, prompting health and safety warnings.
What are the challenges in extinguishing the fires?
The fires are located in hard-to-reach areas within the Everglades, making it challenging to fully extinguish them, and it is expected to take several days.