Everglades, Fla. — August 21, 2025
A massive wildfire charring more than 1,600 acres in the Florida Everglades is sending smoke and haze across South Florida, triggering visibility warnings for drivers and concerns among residents from Fort Lauderdale to western Broward County suburbs.

The fire, fueled by dry conditions and shifting winds, broke out earlier this week and remains uncontained. Officials confirmed on Wednesday morning that smoke from two separate brush fires is drifting eastward, leaving much of the region smelling of burning vegetation.

Travel & Health Concerns

Florida Highway Patrol issued visibility advisories along sections of Alligator Alley (I-75) and nearby roadways, warning motorists to use extreme caution as drifting smoke can rapidly reduce visibility to near zero. Officials said the combination of smoke and early morning fog created especially dangerous driving conditions.

Meanwhile, residents across Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Sunrise, and Plantation reported waking up to hazy skies and a heavy smell of smoke. Public health officials urged those with asthma or respiratory issues to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed.

Firefighting Efforts

The Florida Forest Service deployed ground crews and aerial water drops, but containment remains challenging due to the fire’s remote swamp terrain. Crews are attempting to build fire lines to prevent the blaze from spreading deeper into wildlife habitats.

“This is a stubborn fire,” said a Forest Service spokesperson. “We’re dealing with dry grass, shifting winds, and a difficult-to-reach location. It could take several days before containment improves.”

Environmental Impact

The Everglades, a vast wetland ecosystem already stressed by drought conditions, faces heightened risk during fire season. While wildfires are part of the natural cycle in Florida’s wetlands, large uncontained blazes can disrupt wildlife, destroy nesting areas, and impact air quality across urban areas.

What’s Next

Authorities say the fire does not threaten homes directly, but they caution that conditions can change rapidly. Drivers are advised to check Florida 511 traffic alerts before traveling through the affected regions.

Residents are urged to stay informed through local emergency updates, especially if wind shifts push smoke toward more densely populated areas.