Fire Burns Through the Florida Everglades, Prompting Road Closures

A fast-moving brush fire is burning across parts of the Florida Everglades, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and creating hazardous travel conditions across South Florida. The fire is currently burning in the Big National Preserve and is known as the National Fire. The fire, fueled by dry vegetation and gusty winds, and the recent frost damage, have scorched 15,000 acres of unusually dry marsh and grassland, a landscape that can quickly ignite during the dry season. Satellite footage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The blaze is primarily affecting remote areas of the Everglades, but smoke has at times drifted into nearby communities, reducing visibility and lowering air quality. Drivers along major roadways, including stretches near Alligator Alley (I-75), State Road 29, and U.S. Route 41, have encountered smoky conditions, prompting periodic closures and traffic delays as crews work to contain the flames and keep motorists safe. 

Firefighters are battling the blaze both on the ground and from the air, using water drops and fire breaks to slow its spread. The terrain in the Everglades presents unique challenges, with wetlands, sawgrass marshes, and difficult access points complicating suppression efforts. While wildfires are not uncommon in South Florida during the dry season, prolonged dry spells combined with warm temperatures can significantly increase fire danger. 

So far, there have been no widespread evacuation orders reported, but authorities are urging residents to monitor updates and limit outdoor activity if smoke becomes heavy in their area. Health officials warn that sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions, may experience irritation from the smoke. 

Fire crews will continue working to contain the blaze in the coming days, with weather conditions playing a critical role in how quickly the fire can be brought under control. Rainfall would help crews, while continued dry and breezy weather could allow the fire to expand.