Jesse Scheckner
Two wildfires in the Everglades are filling Broward County skies with smoke, creating unhealthy air quality conditions and hazardous driving visibility across metro and coastal areas Wednesday morning.
According to the Florida Forest Service, the larger blaze — called the “Mile Marker 39 Fire” — consumed more than 1,600 acres near the Sawgrass Expressway.
A smaller fire called the Sawgrass Fire has spread across roughly 250 acres farther west.
The Florida Forest Service’s Everglades District, which serves Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties, said just after 9 a.m. that firefighters have responded to the blaze.
Both fires were 0% contained by 11 a.m.
“Units are currently on the scene,” an X post from the district said. “NW/W winds may influence smoke in Broward. Please use caution on roadways.”
Broward County’s Natural Resource Division reported the air quality index in Hollywood reached 154, a level deemed “unhealthy” by the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow system.
Prolonged exposure to the smoke poses health risks to everyone. People with heart or lung conditions, older adults, children and teens are particularly vulnerable
Health officials advise limiting outdoor activity, especially strenuous exercise, until conditions improve. Even those not considered sensitive are encouraged to reduce time outdoors.
The National Weather Service in Miami cautioned drivers that visibility may dip to 3 miles or less, varying suddenly across short stretches of roadway. Winds from the northwest are pushing smoke across Interstate 75 and into cities including Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.
Drivers are urged to use extra caution and set vehicle air conditioners to recirculate mode to reduce smoke exposure.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue reported receiving numerous calls late Tuesday night and early Wednesday from residents “reporting a smell of smoke.” Reports of haze and strong smoke odors have spread throughout Broward.
The wildfires remain deep within the Everglades and aren’t a current threat to homes or businesses. But with no containment and shifting winds, state and county officials are closely monitoring conditions.
