Smoke from Everglades wildfire spreads east causing air quality concerns for Coral Springs and surrounding Broward County residents
Coral Springs, Florida – Residents of Coral Springs and parts of Broward County were warned to take precautions Wednesday evening as smoke from a large wildfire in the Everglades began drifting east, prompting an official air-quality alert. The National Weather Service issued the advisory, urging residents to limit outdoor activities from 10 p.m. Wednesday through 9 a.m. Thursday, when the smoke is expected to be at its most concentrated.
Florida Forest Service crews have been fighting two separate wildfires in the Everglades, both of which have merged into a larger blaze. One fire, located near Mile Marker 39, has consumed roughly 1,600 acres, while the smaller Sawgrass Fire has covered about 250 acres. According to the forest service, aerial surveys conducted around noon Wednesday confirmed that the two fires had come together, forming a single, expanding front.
“No structures were at risk,” officials said, noting that the fires were fueled primarily by sawgrass, a dense and flammable vegetation found throughout the Everglades. Despite extensive firefighting efforts, containment remains at zero percent for both fires, leaving authorities concerned about the continued spread of smoke into nearby communities.
The Broward County Natural Resource Division reported that air quality throughout the county had reached unhealthy levels due to the wildfire smoke. Officials emphasized that individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic lung disease, should exercise caution and avoid outdoor exposure whenever possible. “Limiting time outdoors is recommended to reduce the risk of health complications from air pollution,” a spokesperson said.
The smoke has already caused disruptions in visibility along major roadways in Broward County. The National Weather Service noted that drivers should exercise caution, as smoky conditions can make travel hazardous, especially during early morning and late evening hours when visibility may be further reduced.
Firefighters continue to monitor the fires closely while attempting containment from the ground and air. Helicopters and planes are being used for aerial reconnaissance and to drop water and fire retardant, though dense smoke and the challenging terrain of the Everglades have complicated these efforts.
As the wildfire continues to burn, local authorities are urging residents to stay informed through official channels and follow any updates on air-quality advisories. For now, Coral Springs and other eastern Broward communities face a smoky outlook, with public safety and health as the primary concerns until the fires can be brought under control.
