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South Florida woke up this Wednesday shrouded in a dense cloud of smoke caused by two wildfires that, after merging, have devastated more than 19,000 acres in the Everglades.
According to Telemundo 51 Miami, the fire, which started in two separate locations identified as "Mile Marker 39" and "Sawgrass Fire," spread rapidly and merged by Wednesday afternoon, according to the update from the Florida Forest Service (FFS).
The severity of the incident prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a warning regarding air quality and visibility in Broward County.
"The smoke from the fires has caused visibility to remain low this morning. Please be very careful on the roads, as it can vary greatly over short distances," warned NWS Miami on their X account, where they advised drivers to exercise caution.
Northwest winds have carried smoke into densely populated areas of Broward and north Miami-Dade, impacting communities such as Weston, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, and Sunrise.
Residents of these areas reported a smell of smoke and a gray haze that covered the streets since the early hours of the day.
The environmental authorities of Broward County, in coordination with the NWS, issued an Air Quality Alert that will remain in effect from 10 p.m. this Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday.
People sensitive to pollution, such as children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory conditions, were advised to reduce their level of outdoor physical activity.
Although firefighters reported that the situation has not worsened in recent hours, they cautioned that fully extinguishing the fire could take several days due to the location of the hotspots in hard-to-reach areas within the Everglades.
Wildfires in the Everglades are not an isolated event. Just a few months ago, another incident forced firefighters to tackle several active hotspots in Miami-Dade County, highlighting the vulnerability of these vast natural areas.
By 2022, a fire devastated thousands of acres in the park, affecting wildlife and raising concerns among environmental authorities. This incident joined a long list of emergencies related to drought, high temperatures, and challenges in accessing the area.
A year prior, another fire even forced the closure of certain areas of the park, disrupting tourist visits and highlighting the direct impact that these events have on the local economy and the safety of nearby residents.
Recent history also records more severe episodes: in 2019, a lightning strike triggered a fire that devastated about 18,000 acres, while years earlier, incidents had already been reported that consumed thousands of acres of vegetation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wildfires in the Everglades
What is the current situation regarding the fires in the Everglades?
More than 19,000 acres have been devastated by the wildfires in the Everglades, which have merged into a single front, affecting air quality and visibility in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
What measures have been taken in response to the environmental emergency in Broward?
The environmental authorities, in coordination with the National Weather Service, have issued an Air Quality Alert for Broward County, active from 10 p.m. on Wednesday until 9 a.m. on Thursday.
What recommendations have been given to residents of the areas affected by smoke?
It is recommended for individuals sensitive to pollution, such as children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory conditions, to reduce their level of outdoor physical activity and exercise caution on the roads due to low visibility.
How long are the fires in the Everglades expected to last?
Although firefighters have reported that the situation has not worsened in recent hours, completely extinguishing the fire may take several days due to its location in hard-to-reach areas.
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