Broward County

Wildfires in Everglades spreads to more than 1,800 acres, smoke affecting Broward

Smoke from Everglades fires billows in the background as airboat riders head out at Sawgrass Recreation Park on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Smoke from Everglades fires billows in the background as airboat riders head out at Sawgrass Recreation Park on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) South Florida Sun Sentinel

READ MORE


Everglades blaze rages over 45,000 acres, becoming 2025’s largest wildfire in Florida

On Aug. 20, two Broward County grass fires out in the Florida Everglades combined, continuing to grow into an over 42,000 acre blaze. The Florida Forest Service has battled the separate fires since they first began, on Aug. 18, and their combined eventual growth.

Expand All

Two wildfires in the Everglades spread to more than 1,800 acres as of Wednesday morning and the smoke is creating hazy skies and reducing visibility on roadways in metro and coastal Broward County, authorities say.

The National Weather Service in Miami reported that smoke from the Mile Marker 39 Fire, now at 1,600 acres, and the Sawgrass Fire, at 250 acres, both 0% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service, is spreading eastward with northwesterly winds.

At times, visibility may drop to 3 miles or less. Areas such as Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach are affected.

Drivers are urged to use caution during their morning commutes, as visibility may change suddenly across short distances. Authorities are also advising people sensitive to smoke and air pollution to limit outdoor activity.

The National Weather Service says if you are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, consider reducing your activity level or shortening the amount of time you are outdoors.

Air quality conditions are being monitored, and residents can check real-time updates through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Now website.

This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 8:18 AM.

MM
Milena Malaver
Miami Herald
Milena Malaver covers crime and breaking news for the Miami Herald. She was born and raised in Miami-Dade and is a graduate of Florida International University. She joined the Herald shortly after graduating.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER

Everglades blaze rages over 45,000 acres, becoming 2025’s largest wildfire in Florida

On Aug. 20, two Broward County grass fires out in the Florida Everglades combined, continuing to grow into an over 42,000 acre blaze. The Florida Forest Service has battled the separate fires since they first began, on Aug. 18, and their combined eventual growth.