Florida Everglades wildfire spreads smoke in South Florida. This one is ‘human caused.’
Smoke from a fire in the Everglades is causing poor visibility on several roads including Alligator Alley on I-75 and the Tamiami Trail along US 41, the National Weather Service in Miami reported Saturday morning.
The burning also accounts for the smell you may be sensing in the air in your yard.
The smoke is not related to a number of wildfires that have been raging in Florida’s Panhandle since Monday.
The Five Mile Swamp fire in Santa Rosa County, for instance, burned through more than 2,000 acres and destroyed at least 17 homes, according to the Florida Forest Service.
Moon Fish Wildfire
The reason for Saturday’s smoky start is due to the Moon Fish Wildfire that was discovered Thursday, just south of Loop Road in the southeast corner of Big Cypress National Preserve and close to the Everglades National Park boundary.
According to a news release sent by Laurie Humphrey, Big Cypress’ lead park ranger, the fire was “human caused,” a truck fire. The person was cited, she said.
By Friday evening, the Moon Fish Wildfire was covering about 12,181 acres and burning through sawgrass and cypress as aerial and ground crews continue to try and contain the blaze.
“Smoke impacts along Highway US 41, the Miccosukee Community area and the greater Miami area, are likely depending on the winds and fuels in which the fire is burning,” Humphrey said.
Loop Road is closed to traffic.
The Florida Highway Patrol also shut US 41 to traffic in both directions at State Road 29 due to the smoke, according to the Collier County Sheriff.
How to protect yourself
The National Weather Service offered a couple tips.
▪ Close your windows and if you don’t have AC and it’s too warm inside, consider seeking shelter elsewhere.
▪ Don’t smoke or burn candles as that only adds to the pollution indoors.
