BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters on Friday continued to battle a massive brush fire in the Everglades that has scorched more than 42,000 acres of land in western Broward County.
The fire started Wednesday morning and has sent thick smoke across parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Florida Forest Service officials said aerial support was deployed to help crews on the ground, but the fire remained just 10% contained as of Friday.
The fire has been burning close to U.S. 27, raising concerns about visibility and air quality in surrounding neighborhoods.
Local 10 News meteorologist Julie Durda said shifting wind patterns are playing a major role in where the smoke drifts.
“So much of that smoke and haze moved away from Miami-Dade and remained in Broward County,” Durda said. “Unfortunately, it’s not going to last long. We’re going to be seeing a shift in the wind direction later today, and that could bring back some smoke and haze for parts of Broward and into Miami-Dade.”
Durda added that moderate air quality conditions were reported in Broward on Friday, while Miami-Dade maintained good air quality.
She said storms developing later in the day could help improve visibility and assist fire crews, though the region continues to face a rainfall deficit.
Authorities are urging drivers in western Broward to use caution, particularly near U.S. 27, as smoke continues to drift over parts of the county.
Click here for the latest updates from Local 10’s Weather Authority.
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