What’s Happening

• A wildfire known as the Mile Marker 39 Fire ignited on August 18 in the Florida Everglades near Alligator Alley, triggered by lightning during a storm.

• By Tuesday afternoon (August 20), it had scorched 1,600 acres, and a second blaze—the Sawgrass Fire—burned another 250 acres, with both still 0% contained initially.

• The fires quickly merged and expanded: by Wednesday evening, the wildfire had engulfed approximately 19,200 acres, largely consuming sawgrass.

• By August 21, the burned area surged to around 42,000 acres, although containment improved modestly to 10%.

• As of August 22, the fire had grown further, consuming about 45,000 acres, with containment rising to 30%.

Human Impact & Response

• Visibility along major South Florida roadways has been severely impacted by drifting smoke. Drivers have been warned to proceed with caution, especially across Broward County.

• Air quality in Broward County is classified as “unhealthy”, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Local authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity and using vehicle air recirculation settings.

• Despite the scale of the blaze, no structures have been reported at risk, and no evacuations have been ordered.

• Fire crews are actively responding using aerial water drops and heavy equipment, although the remote Everglades terrain remains a serious obstacle.

What’s Driving the Fire

• The dry sawgrass vegetation, in combination with ongoing drought conditions and low moisture levels, has fueled rapid fire spread.

• Hurricane Erin’s wind patterns have directed smoke inland toward more densely populated areas, worsening visibility and air quality.

Summary Table

EventDetail

IgnitionAug 18 by lightning at Mile Marker 39

Initial Burn~1,600 acres + 250-acre Sawgrass Fire (Aug 20)

Growth19,200 acres by Aug 20; ~42,000 by Aug 21; ~45,000 by Aug 22

Containment0% initially → 10% (Aug 21) → 30% (Aug 22)

ImpactsPoor visibility, unhealthy air quality, no structural threat yet

ResponseAerial drops, heavy equipment; difficult terrain hampers efforts

Bottom line: This is a fast-moving wildfire with expanding scope—dramatically affecting air quality across South Florida, though not yet threatening buildings. Firefighting efforts are ongoing, and containment is improving, but residents should stay informed, exercise caution on the roads, and limit outdoor exposure, especially if sensitive to smoke.